tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯr 

1

: a muscle that stretches a part

2

: a generalized vector with more than three components each of which is a function of the coordinates of an arbitrary point in space of an appropriate number of dimensions

Examples of tensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Coral incorporates a dedicated tensor processing unit and is powerful enough to process a live video feed and recognize hundreds of objects. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 July 2019

Currently, many deep learning algorithms reside in the cloud, enabled by popular toolkits such as Caffe and TensorFlow, as well as specialized hardware such as tensor processing units. —IEEE Spectrum, 19 Mar. 2018

The first makeup test led to the replacement of cheek prosthetics with skin tensors hidden under the wig. —Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024

These methods, which involve powerful mathematics called tensor networks and quantum error-correcting codes, amount to, very roughly, tapping out patterns of ripples in the boundary sphere that correspond to measurements at specific locations in the bulk. —Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch, draw tight" + -tor, agent suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part

Medical Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part or makes it tense

called also tensor muscle