{
  "definition": "An encoder that maps an input, such as a query, document, image, or other item, to a dense vector representation.",
  "id": "dense-encoder",
  "kind": "Method",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/",
  "links": [
    {
      "label": "Sentence Transformers embedding model documentation",
      "type": "officialHomepage",
      "url": "https://www.sbert.net/"
    }
  ],
  "modifiedAt": "2026-09-12T22:23:29Z",
  "prefLabel": "Dense Encoder",
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Searchplex",
    "url": "https://searchplex.net/"
  },
  "relations": [
    {
      "note": "A dense encoder produces a dense vector for an input; a cross-encoder jointly processes an input pair.",
      "target": "cross-encoder",
      "type": "notEquivalentTo"
    },
    {
      "note": "Dense Encoder names an encoding component; dense retrieval names a retrieval approach using dense representations.",
      "target": "dense-retrieval",
      "type": "notEquivalentTo"
    },
    {
      "note": "A dual encoder combines independently encoded sides of a matching problem; a dense encoder is one encoder component.",
      "target": "dual-encoder",
      "type": "notEquivalentTo"
    },
    {
      "target": "dense-retrieval",
      "type": "related"
    },
    {
      "target": "dual-encoder",
      "type": "related"
    }
  ],
  "representations": {
    "html": "https://id.searchplex.net/dense-encoder/",
    "json": "https://id.searchplex.net/dense-encoder.json",
    "jsonld": "https://id.searchplex.net/dense-encoder.jsonld"
  },
  "scheme": "https://id.searchplex.net/scheme/",
  "scopeNote": "In dense retrieval, dense encoders commonly produce query and document vectors for similarity-based retrieval. A dense encoder is an encoding component, not by itself a complete retrieval architecture. A dual encoder typically contains or uses independently applied encoders, but not every dense encoder is part of a dual-encoder retrieval system.",
  "status": "published",
  "uri": "https://id.searchplex.net/dense-encoder/"
}