four-dimensional

[ fawr-di-men-shuh-nl, fohr- ]

adjective

, Mathematics.

1. of a space having points, or a set having elements, which require four coordinates for their unique determination.

four-dimensional

adjective

1. having or specified by four dimensions, esp the three spatial dimensions and the dimension of time

   a four-dimensional continuum

Word History and Origins

Origin of four-dimensional¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

This nomination isn't some four-dimensional chess as some are suggesting.

From Salon

Senator Roger Marshall, Republican of Kansas, described Mr. McConnell as “large and in charge of our lunches: He’s still playing four-dimensional chess up here when it comes to politics.”

From New York Times

So what does the optimal packing of n four-dimensional balls in four-dimensional space look like?

From Scientific American

Alexander Cary, a writer and executive producer on “Homeland,” wrote this six-episode spy thriller as a leisurely, literate, three- or four-dimensional game of chess.

From New York Times

One demonstration in the study involved increasing the intensity of the smell generated as a woman in a four-dimensional movie brought a rose up to her nose.

From Scientific American