acting as a vector

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting as a vector" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mathematics, physics, or biology, where a vector represents direction and magnitude or serves as a carrier of information or influence. Example: "In this experiment, the virus is acting as a vector to deliver the genetic material into the host cells."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To prevent animal caretakers from acting as a vector of transmission, during the entire experiment strict hygienic measures were used.

BMC Veterinary Research

Therefore, landscape permeability for one host may differ from heterospecifics, resulting in one host acting as a vector among allopatric demes of the alternate host species.

Evolutionary Applications

For other insect-fungus mutualisms it has been argued that the interaction started with insects acting as a vector for fungal dispersal [ 5].

BMC Biology

Invasiveness may be enhanced by the maggots' acting as a vector as they move through the necrotic tissues toward the bloodstream.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The final aim of our project is construction of a vaccine complex that contains influenza antigens delivered by adenovirus dodecahedron (Dd) acting as a vector, adjuvant and a multivalent presentation platform.

BMC Biotechnology

The amphinomid polychaete Hermodice carunculata is a cosmopolitan and ecologically important omnivore in coral reef ecosystems, preying on a diverse suite of reef organisms and potentially acting as a vector for coral disease.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Rhodnius prolixus is a triatomine bug acting as a relevant vector of Chagas disease for which the genome sequence has been recently made available.

Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

In the life cycle of Plasmodium, a female Anopheles mosquito (the definitive host) transmits a motile infective form (called the sporozoite) to a vertebrate host such as a human (the secondary host), thus acting as a transmission vector.

Wikipedia

Subsequently, the vector is filtered with a vector ( : Hermitian transposition) acting as a matched filter adjusted to the effective spreading sequence of symbol (7).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I N represents the identity matrix of size N. ({mathbf {U}} in {mathbb {C}^{DM times 1}}) is a unit vector acting as a demultiplexer where U H U=1. The condition N≥P M has to be satisfied in order to take the left inverse.2.2

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

To verify that the putative gastrin IRES is not acting as a promoter in pRGasF, it was cloned into a reporter vector, pBR, lacking a viral promoter but with viral enhancer elements still present downstream of the firefly luciferase.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting as a vector" in scientific writing, clearly define what is being transmitted and what the potential consequences are.

Common error

Avoid using "acting as a vector" metaphorically without a clear connection to the literal meaning of transmission or influence. Ensure the context justifies the scientific connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting as a vector" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the role or function of a subject. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes how organisms or inanimate objects facilitate transmission of diseases or other influences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acting as a vector" is a phrase primarily used in scientific and technical contexts to describe something that transmits or spreads a disease, influence, or other agent. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this is typically an organism or object that carries something from one place to another. The phrase is grammatically correct and is often used to clarify the mechanism of transmission. While predominately found in scientific literature, it can also appear in news and media reports when discussing scientific topics. When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear and specific explanation of what is being transmitted. Alternatives include "serving as a conduit" or "functioning as a carrier", but the most appropriate alternative depends on the specific context. Overall, using this phrase correctly will improve the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving as a conduit

Replaces "acting" with "serving" and "vector" with "conduit", emphasizing the role of conveying or channeling something.

functioning as a carrier

Replaces "acting" with "functioning" and "vector" with "carrier", highlighting the transport or transmission aspect.

mediating transmission

Focuses on the role of facilitating the spread or transfer of something, such as a disease or information.

facilitating spread

Emphasizes the role of making it easier for something to spread or disseminate.

enabling transfer

Highlights the role of making it possible for something to be moved or transmitted.

transmitting agent

Highlights the transmission aspect, referring to something that causes the movement of something else.

serving as an intermediary

Highlights the role of something going between two parties.

channeling influence

Focuses on the role of directing or guiding influence or power.

instrumental in spreading

Emphasizes the role of being crucial in distributing something.

a vehicle for dissemination

Focuses on something that can be used for widespread distribution.

FAQs

What does "acting as a vector" mean in a biological context?

In biology, "acting as a vector" typically refers to an organism that transmits a disease or parasite from one host to another. Mosquitoes "acting as vectors" for malaria is a classic example.

Can "acting as a vector" be used outside of scientific contexts?

While primarily used in science, "acting as a vector" can be used metaphorically to describe something that facilitates the spread of information, ideas, or influence. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the analogy is clear.

What are some alternatives to "acting as a vector"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "serving as a conduit", "functioning as a carrier", or "mediating transmission" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "acting as a vector" differ from "being a reservoir"?

"Acting as a vector" implies transmission, while "being a reservoir" implies harboring the disease or agent. A reservoir is a long-term host, whereas a vector actively moves the agent to another host. Something "acting as a vector" spreads the source of infection.