Vector Database
Definition: A vector database is a special type of database that helps AI understand meaning rather than just matching exact words. It stores information as numerical representations called “vectors,” which capture the relationships between ideas. This allows AI to find contextually similar results, even when the wording is different.
Example
If you search for “employment contract” in a vector database, it might also find documents about “hiring agreements” or “offer letters,” because it understands that these phrases mean similar things.
Why It Matters?
Vector databases make AI tools far more accurate and useful in law. They allow legal AI systems to understand context, retrieve documents by meaning, and connect related ideas across large sets of files. This improves search results, speeds up legal research, and reduces missed information that simple keyword searches might overlook.