dimension

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noun di·men·sion \də-ˈmen(t)-shən also dī-\

Definition of dimension

1a mathematics (1) : measure in one direction the dimensions of the room; specifically : one of three coordinates (see ³coordinate 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 1) or coordinate variable assigned to such a property the three dimensions of momentum (3) : the number of elements in a basis (see basis 5) of a vector spaceb : the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size … the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways … — Jane Shellhasec : a lifelike or realistic quality uses eccentric dialogue to add dimension to her charactersd : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope —usually used in plural the vast dimensions of the disastere : 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

dimensional

play \-ˈmench-nəl, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl\ adjective

dimensionality

play \-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

dimensionally

play \-ˈmench-nə-lē, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl-ē\ adverb

dimensionless

play \-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective

See dimension defined for English-language learners

See dimension defined for kids

Examples of dimension in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of dimension

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

dimension

verb di·men·sion

Definition of dimension

dimensioned

;

dimensioning

play \-ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ\

transitive verb
1 : to form to the required dimensions (see ¹dimension 1a(1)) a table dimensioned to fit the space
2 : to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing) dimensioning the plans

Origin and Etymology of dimension

see ¹dimension

First Known Use: 1754

DIMENSION Defined for English Language Learners

dimension

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noun

Definition of dimension for English Language Learners

: the length, width, height, or depth of something : a measurement in one direction (such as the distance from the ceiling to the floor in a room)
: the amount or number of things that something affects or influences
: a part of something