The name "dot product" is derived from the dot operator " · " that is often used to designate this operation; the alternative name "scalar product" emphasizes that the result is a scalar, rather than a vector (as with the vector product in three-dimensional space).
tHe naMe "dot produCT" IS DeriVed from the Dot opERator " · " thAt is oFten Used to desiGnate this OperaTioN; the AltERnatIve namE "Scalar PrOdUct" eMpHasIzes THat the REsulT Is a scalar, raTher tHan a VectOr (as witH The VectoR ProDuCT IN thRee-diMensiOnaL SPAce).