scalar

[skey-ler] /ˈskeɪ lər/
adjective
1.
representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude:
a scalar variable.
2.
of, pertaining to, or utilizing a scalar.
3.
ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated:
a scalar structure for promoting personnel.
noun
4.
Mathematics, Physics. a quantity possessing only magnitude.
Compare vector (def 1a).
Origin
1650-60; < Latin scālāris of a ladder. See scale3, -ar1
British Dictionary definitions for scalars

scalar

/ˈskeɪlə/
noun
1.
a quantity, such as time or temperature, that has magnitude but not direction Compare vector (sense 1), tensor (sense 2), pseudoscalar, pseudovector
2.
(maths) an element of a field associated with a vector space
adjective
3.
having magnitude but not direction
Word Origin
C17 (meaning: resembling a ladder): from Latin scālāris, from scāla ladder
Word Origin and History for scalars

scalar

adj.

"resembling a ladder," 1650s, from Latin scalaris "of or pertaining to a ladder," from scalae (plural) "ladder, steps, flight of steps" (see scale (n.2)). Mathematical sense first recorded 1846.

scalars in Science
scalar
  (skā'lər)   
A quantity, such as mass, length, or speed, whose only property is magnitude; a number. Compare vector.