Let $n,k\in\mathbb{N}$. A function

is called a $k$-linear form on $\mathbb{R}^n$ if for each index $r\in\{1,\dots,k\}$, for every choice of vectors $v_1,\dots,v_{r-1},u,w,v_{r+1},\dots,v_k\in\mathbb{R}^n$, and for every scalars $\alpha,\beta\in\mathbb{R}$, one has

A $k$-linear form $\omega$ is called alternating if

whenever $v_p=v_q$ for some distinct indices $p,q\in\{1,\dots,k\}$. An alternating $k$-linear form on $\mathbb{R}^n$ is also called an alternating covariant $k$-tensor on $\mathbb{R}^n$.