English Dictionary

Definition of “array

array (əˈreɪPronunciation for array

Definitions

noun

  1. an impressive display or collection
  2. an orderly or regular arrangement, esp of troops in battle order
  3. poetic rich clothing; apparel
  4. mathematics a sequence of numbers or symbols in a specified order
  5. mathematics a set of numbers or symbols arranged in rows and columns, as in a determinant or matrix
  6. electronics an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics, used esp in radar
  7. law a panel of jurors
  8. the arming of military forces
  9. computing a regular data structure in which individual elements may be located by reference to one or more integer index variables, the number of such indices being the number of dimensions in the array

verb (tr)

  1. to dress in rich attire; adorn
  2. to arrange in order (esp troops for battle); marshal
  3. law to draw up (a panel of jurors)

Alternative Forms

arˈrayal noun

Word Origin

C13: from Old French aroi  arrangement, from arayer  to arrange, of Germanic origin; compare Old English arǣdan to make ready

Usage examples

  • He was ensconced behind his desk which burgeoned with an increasing array of papers.
    Appiganesi, Lisa, Dreams of Innocence (1994)
  • "We want try to protect the full array of diversity," he says.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • Many gay couples have children, through adoption or through the available array of reproductive technologies.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • The centres and wings will provide Henry with his toughest decisions behind the scrum because of the sheer array of talent at his disposal.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • In an uncommitted logic array (ULA) chip sets of logic circuits await interconnection to achieve the required circuit pattern.
    Samways, B. & Byrne-Jones, T., Computers Basic Facts (1983)

Browse dictionary