spatial

spa·tial

adj \ˈspā-shəl\

Definition of SPATIAL

1

: relating to, occupying, or having the character of space

2

: of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space <tests of spatial ability>

— spa·ti·al·i·ty \ˌspā-shē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun

— spa·tial·ly \ˈspā-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of SPATIAL

1. the spatial dimensions of a room
2. When patients have this kind of problem, they can't feel the relationship between their body and their feet, so they must rely on visual cues to keep themselves upright. Without these cues, they lose their spatial orientation and fall. —John Pettinato, Discover, October 2004
3. Williams syndrome, which was first described in 1961, results when a group of genes on one copy of chromosome 7 is deleted during embryonic development. Most people with Williams resemble each other more than they do their families, with wide-set hazel eyes, upturned noses, and wide mouths. They also share a peculiar set of mental impairments. Most stumble over the simplest spatial tasks, such as putting together a puzzle, and many not read or write beyond the level of a first grader. —U.S. News & World Report, 15 June 1998
4. Several new ground-based and orbiting astronomical facilities that could provide high spatial and spectral resolution appear technologically ready for development during the next several decades. —Robert D. Gehrz et al., Science, 25 May 1984

Origin of SPATIAL

Latin spatium space

First Known Use: 1847

Rhymes with SPATIAL

facial, glacial, racial