non-directionaladj.n.
/ˌnɒndᵻˈrɛkʃn̩(ə)l/, /ˌnɒndᵻˈrɛkʃən(ə)l/, /ˌnɒndʌɪˈrɛkʃn̩(ə)l/, /ˌnɒndʌɪˈrɛkʃən(ə)l/, U.S. /ˌnɑndəˈrɛkʃən(ə)l/, /ˌnɑndaɪˈrɛkʃən(ə)l/, /ˌnɑndəˈrɛkʃn(ə)l/, /ˌnɑndaɪˈrɛkʃn(ə)l/ A. adj.
Lacking directional properties; esp. equally sensitive (intense, etc.) in all directions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > [adjective] > lacking directional properties
non-directional1879
non-directive1898
1879 J. M. Ross Globe Encycl. V. 519/1 Scalar, a mathematical term invented by Sir W. R. Hamilton, including all quantities essentially non-directional.
1921 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 100 256 This when immersed upright in the tank constituted a rough ‘light body’ hydrophone which, from considerations of symmetry, should have been non-directional.
1946 H. Jacob On Choice of Common Lang. iii. 107 In addition to the primarily spatial directives, for, of, and till are used on the same analogy, as non-directional prepositions.
1964 Oceanogr. & Marine Biol. 2 448 The usual response of untrained fish in aquaria to non-directional sounds is one of non-orientated quickened swimming, often momentary.
1982 Giant Bk. Electronics Projects vii. 299 Since it is non-directional, the horizontal beamwidth is 360°.
1991 Photo Answers May 43 The lighting is soft and non-directional, meaning there are no harsh shadows or flare spots.
B. n.
A scalar quantity. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [noun] > particular qualities > scalar
scalar1846
non-directional1903
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > tensor > [noun] > scalar
scalar1846
non-directional1903
1903 Nature 22 Oct. 610/1 In Prof. Henrici's algebra the products of two vectors α, β are:—(αβ) a non-directional or ‘scalar’,..and [αβ] a vector perpendicular to the plane drawn through α and β.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.1879