Plain English Meaning

Pointing the hot gases coming out the back of a jet engine in different directions, so the push from the engine can act downward, sideways, or backward depending on what the aircraft needs.

Full Definition

The technique of redirecting the direction of a jet engine's exhaust flow to change the direction of thrust, allowing thrust to act at an angle other than straight rearward. This is achieved through movable nozzles or deflectors at the engine exhaust outlet and is used to provide vertical or short takeoff capability and enhanced maneuverability.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of thrust, especially where engine exhaust is used to help control, lift, or turn an aircraft.

Derivation

Vector' comes from the Latin vehere, meaning 'to carry,' and in physics a vector is a quantity with both and direction. To 'vector' something is to give it a chosen direction. So ' the exhaust' literally means choosing which way to send the exhaust.