What does the word "vector" mean when it's used as a computer term? I can't see a very strong apparent connection with physics vectors or math vectors.
From the C++ type "vector" to "vector tables" and "status vectors" and "vectored interrupts", all I can get is that it's loosely synonymous with "stored in a contiguous or connected region of memory" or "array".
Looking it up in my dictionary isn't much help, either. Is anyone familiar with its etymology?