Synonyms: vector
Definition: (genetics) a virus or other agent that is used to deliver DNA to a cell
Similar words: virus
Definition: (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein
Synonyms: vector
Definition: a variable quantity that can be resolved into components
Similar words: variable, variable quantity
Definition: a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
Synonyms: vector, transmitter
Definition: any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease
Usage: mosquitos are vectors of malaria and yellow fever; fleas are vectors of the plague; aphids are transmitters of plant diseases; when medical scientists talk about vectors they are usually talking about insects
Similar words: agent
Definition: an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
Usage: their research uncovered new disease agents
Synonyms: vector
Definition: a straight line segment whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction
Similar words: straight line
Definition: a line traced by a point traveling in a constant direction; a line of zero curvature
Usage: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line