Vector
- Pronunciation
- /VEK-tor/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Vector
- Plural
- Vectors
Definition
An organism, typically an insect or other arthropod, that transmits a pathogen or parasite from one host to another.
Etymology
From Latin 'vector', meaning 'carrier' or 'conveyor'.
Example
The Anopheles mosquito is a well-known vector of malaria.
Synonyms
- Carrier
- Transmitter
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Vectors are crucial in the study of epidemiology and disease management because they play a key role in the spread of infectious diseases.