tensor

Definition

(Noun) A tensor is defined differently in different fields.
In physics and engineering, tensors are most often used to represent deformation, stress, strain, and inertia.

A 'whole' tensor is independent of coordinate systems, but in a particular coordinate system, the components of a second-order tensor can be represented by a matrix.

A vector is a first-order tensor, and its components are ordered pairs or ordered triplets - which can also be thought of as column matrices. In physics and engineering, vectors are used to represent force, displacement, velocity, acceleration and spin.