I. ˈskālə(r) adjective
Etymology: Latin scalaris of a ladder or staircase, from scalae stairs, ladder — more at scale
1. : arranged like a ladder : having an uninterrupted series of steps : graduated , scalariform
scalar chain of authority in business organization
scalar cells
2.
[probably from scale (VI) + -ar ]
: discribable by a number that can be represented by a point on a scale
a scalar quantity
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : an undirected quantity in vector analysis and quaternions : a quantity fully described by a number — distinguished from vector
b. : a scalar number
2. : a quantity (as mass or time) that has magnitude but does not involve any concept of direction — compare vector 1b
III. adjective
: of or relating to a scalar or scalar product