dimension

noun

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di·men·sion | \ də-ˈmen(t)-shən

also dī-

Definition of dimension

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a mathematics

(1) : measure in one direction the dimensions of the room specifically : one of three coordinates (see coordinate entry 3 sense 1a) 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 (such as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space) the surface of a sphere has two dimensions also : a parameter (see parameter sense 1) or coordinate variable assigned to such a property the three dimensions of momentum

(3) : the number of elements in a basis (see basis sense 5) of a vector space

b : the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size … the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways …— Jane Shellhase

c : a lifelike or realistic quality uses eccentric dialogue to add dimension to her characters

d : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope —usually used in pluralthe vast dimensions of the disaster

e : one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect the social and political dimensions of the problem

2 obsolete : bodily form or proportions … my dimensions are as well compact, my mind as generous, and my shape as true …— Shakespeare

3 mathematics : 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 … a secular as well as spiritual dimension …— Catherine Bates

dimension

verb

dimensioned; dimensioning\ də-ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ

also dī- \

Definition of dimension (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to form to the required dimensions (see dimension entry 1 sense 1a(1)) a table dimensioned to fit the space

2 : to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing) dimensioning the plans

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Examples of dimension in a Sentence

Noun She carefully measured each dimension of the room. The social dimensions of the problem must also be taken into account.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Louisville’s special teams game has struggled at times this season, but Hall adds another dimension to the game. — Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "What we learned from Louisville football's win over Syracuse in Cards' ACC finale," 24 Nov. 2019 This adds dimensions to their sisterly quest, even if the harmonious emotions and good intentions never fully atone for the conventionalism of the blond-on-blond character design, the tiny waists, pert breasts, jeweled eyes and pale plastic-y skin. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, "‘Frozen 2’ Review: The Cold Still Never Bothers Them," 21 Nov. 2019 But there was no denying the mobility of backup Jeff Driskel added a different dimension to the run game. — Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions appear unafraid to use run game despite injuries to backfield," 11 Nov. 2019 Makurat has earned praised from her teammates and Geno Auriemma as a gifted offensive player, while Griffin’s unparalleled quickness to the rim adds yet another dimension to the Huskies’ offense. — Alexa Philippou, courant.com, "UConn women’s basketball vs. Cal: time, how to watch, broadcasters, preview," 9 Nov. 2019 Jones has had success as a runner, a receiver out of the backfield and when lining up out wide, adding another dimension to Green Bay’s offense that was needed when star receiver Davante Adams was sidelined with a turf toe injury. — Josh Dubow, chicagotribune.com, "Waller, Godwin, Chark among emerging stars at halfway point," 5 Nov. 2019 Directed by Ishirō Honda, the film was made less than a decade after America dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which adds a terrifying dimension to proceedings as its titular creature destroys the movie’s cityscapes. — Clark Collis, EW.com, "Five ways to celebrate Godzilla's 65th birthday," 3 Nov. 2019 Beyond its function, the plaster-like finish adds another textural dimension to the room. — Alexa Tucker, House Beautiful, "This Music Room Will Inspire You to Create Your Own," 21 Oct. 2019 Their backstory requires care and adds another dimension to the movie’s overall story. — Los Angeles Times, "How Angelina Jolie’s daughter inspired the secret backstory of ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’," 18 Oct. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: Another huge man with huge power playing in the same Little League-dimensioned ballpark as Stanton. — Ted Berg, For The Win, "Poll: Which MLB slugger is most likely to challenge Barry Bonds' home-run record in 2018?," 23 Feb. 2018 Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. — Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, "HOUSE TOUR: Contemporary Decor Blends With Farmhouse Tradition Inside A Hamptons Barn," 2 July 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dimension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Dimension.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimensionality. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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dimension

noun