noun / verb
vector
A course along which movement or action is directed.
The controller gives the pilot a new vector for landing.
Etymology
The carrier-name acquired a mathematical sense of directed movement. A vector can therefore specify the course along which motion or action proceeds.
More examples
- Air traffic control vectors the plane around the storm.
- The pilot requests a vector toward the nearest airport.
- Controllers vectored incoming flights away from the closed runway.
Forms
vector · vectors · vectored · vectoring