dimension

[ dih-men-shuhn, dahy- ]

noun

1. Mathematics.
   1. a property of space; extension in a given direction:

      A straight line has one dimension, a parallelogram has two dimensions, and a parallelepiped has three dimensions.

   2. the generalization of this property to spaces with curvilinear extension, as the surface of a sphere.
   3. the generalization of this property to vector spaces and to Hilbert space.
   4. the generalization of this property to fractals, which can have dimensions that are noninteger real numbers.
   5. extension in time:

      Space-time has three dimensions of space and one of time.

2. Usually dimensions.
   1. measurement in length, width, and thickness.
   2. scope; importance:

      the dimensions of a problem.

3. an aspect, feature, or angle: We haven't addressed that dimension of the issue.

   A study abroad experience can add a cultural dimension to your language learning.

   We haven't addressed that dimension of the issue.

4. unit ( def 6 ).
5. magnitude; size:

   Matter has dimension.

6. Topology.
   1. a magnitude that, independently or in conjunction with other such magnitudes, serves to define the location of an element within a given set, as of a point on a line, an object in a space, or an event in space-time.
   2. the number of elements in a finite basis of a given vector space.
7. Physics. any of a set of basic kinds of quantity, as mass, length, and time, in terms of which all other kinds of quantity can be expressed: usually denoted by capital letters, with appropriate exponents, placed in brackets: Compare dimensional analysis ( def ).

   The dimensions of velocity are [LT−1].

8. Also called al·ter·nate di·men·sion [awl, -ter-nit di-, men, -sh, uh, n, dahy-]. (in science fiction, fantasy, etc.) a hypothetical universe or world that is different from our known universe and reachable by traveling in directions that are not the perceptible axes of space and time, as with the use of futuristic technology or magic: Compare parallel universe ( def 3 ).

   Your enemies are villains, cultists, terrible monsters, and unfathomable entities from alternate dimensions or the cosmos beyond.

9. dimensions, Informal. the measurements of a woman's bust, waist, and hips, in that order:

   The dressmaker noted that the customer's dimensions were 38-24-36.

10. dimension lumber ( def ).

verb (used with object)

1. to shape or fashion to the desired dimensions:

   Dimension the shelves so that they fit securely into the cabinet.

2. to indicate the dimensions of an item, area, etc., on (a sketch or drawing).

dimension

/ dɪˈmɛnʃən /

noun

1. often plural a measurement of the size of something in a particular direction, such as the length, width, height, or diameter
2. often plural scope; size; extent

   a problem of enormous dimensions

3. aspect

   a new dimension to politics

4. maths the number of coordinates required to locate a point in space
5. physics
   1. the product or the quotient of the fundamental physical quantities (such as mass, length, or time) raised to the appropriate power in a derived physical quantity

      the dimensions of velocity are length divided by time

   2. the power to which such a fundamental quantity has to be raised in a derived quantity

verb

1. tr
   1. to shape or cut to specified dimensions
   2. to mark with specified dimensions

dimension

/ dĭ-mĕn′shən /

1. 1. Any one of the three physical or spatial properties of length, area, and volume. In geometry, a point is said to have zero dimension; a figure having only length, such as a line, has one dimension; a plane or surface, two dimensions; and a figure having volume, three dimensions. The fourth dimension is often said to be time, as in the theory of General Relativity. Higher dimensions can be dealt with mathematically but cannot be represented visually.
   2. The measurement of a length, width, or thickness.
2. A unit, such as mass, time, or charge, associated with a physical quantity and used as the basis for other measurements, such as acceleration.

Derived Forms

• diˈmensionally, adverb
• diˌmensionˈality, noun
• diˈmensionless, adjective
• diˈmensional, adjective

Other Words From

• di·men·sion·al adjective
• di·men·sion·al·i·ty [dih-men-sh, uh, -, nal, -i-tee, dahy-], noun
• di·men·sion·al·ly adverb
• di·men·sion·less adjective
• mul·ti·di·men·sion·al adjective
• non·di·men·sioned adjective
• un·di·men·sioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dimension¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English dimensioun, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin dīmēnsiōn- (stem of dīmēnsiō ) “a measuring,” equivalent to dīmēns(us) “measured out” (past participle of dīmētīrī, equivalent to dī- di- ² + mētīrī “to measure”) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of dimension¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin dīmensiō an extent, from dīmētīrī to measure out, from mētīrī

Example Sentences

He added: "These celebrated objects add a special dimension to our own collection and together offer scholars, researchers and visitors around the world the incredible opportunity to study and enjoy the very best examples of Chinese craftsmanship anywhere in existence."

From BBC

The drivers were dismayed by Ben Sulayem's comments - because any swear words used over team radio are bleeped out before being broadcast, and because they feel that allowing the public to hear the transmissions gives an added dimension to the sport by revealing the characters of the drivers in extreme situations.

From BBC

“He’s very athletic, and he’s one of those guys that goes up and gets the ball and I think adds a lot of dimension to our offense. … Injuries are never fun, but he’s been fighting to do everything he can to be back out on the field.”

From Los Angeles Times

“That was what elevated this whole experience even more. It kind of became a performative, theatrical new dimension I didn’t even think about. That was amazing to me,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

By contrast, the Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference felt like a portal to a bizarro dimension where Joe Frazier was still alive and Trump had won the election.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aspect
• element
• extent
• height
• importance
• length
• magnitude
• proportion
• quality
• range
• scope
• size
• thickness