Etymology Map
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Vector

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a quantity with direction; a disease carrier

Where does the word "vector" come from? It comes from Latin vector, adopted directly into English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
vector
Latin · ancient
"carrier"
from 'vehere', to carry, the root of 'vehicle'
2
Stage 2 of 2
vector
English · 1700s
"carrier"
mathematical vectors date from the 1840s; disease vectors from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Vector’s story begins in Latin: vector meant “carrier.” From 'vehere', to carry, the root of 'vehicle'. It reached English by 1700s as vector. Mathematical vectors date from the 1840s; disease vectors from the 1900s. Today, vector means a quantity with direction; a disease carrier.