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 : aspect2obsolete : bodily form or proportions3: any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based ; also : the power of such a unit4: wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size5: 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