Main Entry: ¹di·men·sion

Pronunciation: \də-ˈmen(t)-shən also dī-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin dimension-, dimensio, from dimetiri to measure out, from dis- + metiri to measure — more at measure

Date: 14th century

1 a (1) : measure in one direction; specifically : one of three coordinates determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time (2) : one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usually mathematical entities (as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space) <the surface of a sphere has two dimensions>; also : a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property <the three dimensions of momentum> (3) : the number of elements in a basis of a vector space b : the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size c : a lifelike or realistic quality d : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope —usually used in plural e : one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect
2 obsolete : bodily form or proportions
3 : any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based; also : the power of such a unit
4 : wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size
5 : a level of existence or consciousness

— di·men·sion·al \-ˈmench-nəl, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl\ adjective

— di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

— di·men·sion·al·ly \-ˈmench-nə-lē, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl-ē\ adverb

— di·men·sion·less \-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective