向量 (xiàng liàng) — vector (mathematics)

Definition

noun

vector (mathematics)

Measure word · 个

向量。
Zhè ge xiàng liàng biǎo shì sù dù.
This vector represents speed.
向量。
Liǎng gè xiàng liàng de hé shì líng xiàng liàng.
The sum of two vectors is the zero vector.
，向量。
Zài shù xué kè shàng, wǒ men xué xí le xiàng liàng.
In math class, we studied vectors.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

向量 is a 量 quantity that has a 向 direction, hence a vector.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

向 originally drew 宀 (house) with 口 to show an echo in a place; later it was used for direction.

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

量 has 日 (sun) over 東 (bag; east). Some explanations suggest measuring under the sun or the sun rising in the east, but the exact origin is unclear.