fourth dimension

noun

1. Physics, Mathematics. a dimension in addition to length, width, and depth, used so as to be able to employ geometrical language in discussing phenomena that depend on four variables:

   Time is considered a fourth dimension for locating points in space-time.

2. something beyond the kind of normal human experience that can be explained scientifically:

   The story deals with ESP and other excursions into the fourth dimension.

fourth dimension

noun

1. the dimension of time, which is necessary in addition to three spatial dimensions to specify fully the position and behaviour of a point or particle
2. the concept in science fiction of a dimension in addition to three spatial dimensions, used to explain supernatural phenomena, events, etc

fourth dimension

/ fôrth /

1. Time regarded as a coordinate dimension. A fourth dimension is required by relativity theory, along with three spatial dimensions, to specify completely the location of any event.

Derived Forms

• ˌfourth-diˈmensional, adjective

Other Words From

• fourth-di·mension·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fourth dimension¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

General relativity, proven accurate by countless tests and observations, suggests that gravity impacts not simply three physical dimensions but also a fourth dimension: time.

From Science Daily

And, because of the magic of light, the fourth dimension of time is constantly added.

From Seattle Times

Spacetime is just a mathematical object consisting of the three dimensions of space, and time considered as a fourth dimension.

From Science Daily

As Diaz puts it, Calder worked in the fourth dimension — time.

From Seattle Times

As Middleton sees it, the research sets the foundation for using that fourth dimension in data analysis.

From Science Daily