Poynting vector

noun

The vector obtained in the direction of a right-hand screw from the cross product (vector product) of the electric field vector rotated into the magnetic field vector of an electromagnetic wave. Note: The Poynting vector, with transmission media parameters and constants, gives the irradiance and direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave. Mathematically: ⃑P=⃑E×⃑H.

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Meanings

nounPoynting vector (plural Poynting vectors)

plural Poynting vectors

  1. electrical engineeringThe vector obtained in the direction of a right-hand screw from the cross product (vector product) of the electric field vector rotated into the magnetic field vector of an electromagnetic wave. Note: The Poynting vector, with transmission media parameters and constants, gives the irradiance and direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave. Mathematically: ⃑P=⃑E×⃑H.

Origin

After English physicist John Henry Poynting (1852–1914).

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Translations

Polish wektor Poyntinga
  • wektor PoyntingaTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

Poynting vector. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Poynting%20vector

MLA

“Poynting vector.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Poynting%20vector. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Poynting vector,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Poynting%20vector.

Source: Poynting vector on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.