vector

(vek′tŏr)

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[L. vector, a carrier]

1. A quantity that is completely specified by magnitude, direction, and sense, which can be represented by a straight line of appropriate length and direction.
2. A carrier, usually an insect or other arthropod, that transmits the causative organisms of disease from infected to noninfected individuals.
3. An agent such as a retrovirus that is used to introduce genetic material into the nucleus of a diseased cell in an attempt to cure a genetic illness or a malignancy.

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