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 plural the 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

Other Words from dimension Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dimension

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Other Words from dimension

Noun

dimensional \ də-ˈmench-nəl

also dī-

, -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl \ adjective

dimensionality \ də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē

also dī- \ noun

dimensionally \ də-ˈmench-nə-lē

also dī- , -ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē \ adverb

dimensionless \ də-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs

also dī- \ adjective

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 After missing the first game of the season due to injury, Shaw is starting to get healthy and add another dimension to the offense. — Andrew Wyder, chicagotribune.com, "‘I love making plays,’ Jack Lausch says. The junior QB, teammate Willie Shaw and Brother Rice made a lot of them against St. Laurence — and needed every one.," 10 Apr. 2021 The powder blue frames add extra dimension to the wave-print wallpaper from A Street Prints, while an assortment of pillows bring color and texture. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "Marie Fuer Creates a Modern Family Apartment With Pops of Color and Tons of Hidden Storage," 1 Apr. 2021 While social distancing markers on pavements and streets correct behaviour, the murals add a cultural dimension to a pandemic that seems to be seeing a second wave in India. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz, "The pandemic has created an artistic legacy on Indian streets," 25 Mar. 2021 Democratic House Minority Leader Kim Abbott said more guns could add a chilling new dimension to debates in polarized times. — Star Tribune, "Guns in capitol buildings divide states after armed protests," 19 Feb. 2021 The dress has a soft-but-stretchy cinched waist for a flattering fit, and the rope tie brings a boho touch that also adds some dimension to the dress, giving the wearer an hourglass shape shoppers love. — Sanah Faroke, Southern Living, "Amazon Shoppers Can’t Stop Buying This Breezy $34 Floral Maxi Dress," 23 Mar. 2021 What’s more, by looking in detail at Wojnarowicz’s art, McKim adds another dimension of historical exploration, because Wojnarowicz’s self-documentation is itself an integral element of his work. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, "“Wojnarowicz,” Reviewed: A Discerning and Tragic Vision of the Artist and His Times," 19 Mar. 2021 The 6-8, 250-pound James Madison transfer PF Dwight Wilson III adds a punishing dimension on the blocks. — Los Angeles Times, "NCAA tournament: Picks against the spread for first-round games," 18 Mar. 2021 An extra long belt with a slim triangular closure adds dimension to the full length style. — Nicola Fumo, Forbes, "15 Raincoats You’ll Actually Want To Wear," 25 Feb. 2021 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.