# Vector database: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> A vector database stores numerical representations and makes it possible to retrieve items by similarity.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/vector-database

# Vector database

A vector database stores numerical representations and makes it possible to retrieve items by similarity

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It can form part of a semantic search engine or a RAG system. Its usefulness depends on the embedding model, the filters and the quality of the content. The mathematically closest results are not always the most suitable for answering a question.

Topics

[Artificial intelligence](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/inteligencia-artificial)

## Related concepts

- [RAG](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/rag)
- [Embedding](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/embedding)
- [Foundation model](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/foundation-model)