Definition of "vectorize"

vectorize

/ˈvɛktəɹaɪz/

verb
third-person singular simple present vectorizes, present participle vectorizing, simple past and past participle vectorized
1. (computer graphics, transitive) To convert an image into a vector graphics format.
  Quotations
  The raster and vectorized images are displayed on a graphic monitor where the vector data is an active layer and the raster image is a background layer.
  1997, Sergey Ablameyko, An Introduction to Interpretation of Graphic Images, SPIE Press, page 147
2. (computing, transitive) To convert a program that operates on scalar values into the equivalent program operating on vectors, usually as an optimization step inside the compiler (automatic vectorization).
  Quotations
  The principles on which the Cyber 200 FORTRAN compiler tries to detect which parts of a program can be vectorized are similar to those used in the Cray CFT compiler.
  1987, Ronald H. Perrott, Parallel Programming, Addison Wesley, page 157
3. (pharmacology) To lead selectively a drug to a target.
  Quotations
  […] peculiarities of the CNT structure can be used to vectorize drugs and other chemicals.
  2018, Shyam Mohapatra et al., editors, Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Elsevier, page 475