Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Representation

Single-Vector Retrieval

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/single-vector-retrieval/

Retrieval in which each query, indexed item, passage, document, or chunk is represented by one vector for similarity comparison.

Scope

Single-vector retrieval is often the default format in dense retrieval and vector-search systems, but it is not identical to dense retrieval, vector search, semantic search, or the dual-encoder architecture that commonly produces such vectors.

Observed terms

Related

Not equivalent to

  • Single-Vector Retrieval is not Dense Retrieval. Dense retrieval describes retrieval using dense representations; single-vector retrieval describes the representation cardinality used for each retrievable item.
  • Single-Vector Retrieval is not Dual Encoder. Dual encoders commonly produce single-vector representations, but the architecture and the representation format are distinct concepts.
  • Single-Vector Retrieval is not Multi-Vector Retrieval. Single-vector retrieval represents each item with one vector; multi-vector retrieval represents a query, item, or both with multiple vectors.
  • Single-Vector Retrieval is not Semantic Search. Semantic search names a meaning-oriented retrieval goal or product capability; single-vector retrieval names one possible representation format.
  • Single-Vector Retrieval is not Vector Search. Vector search names a vector-similarity mechanism; single-vector retrieval names a retrieval representation format.

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