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
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Examples of spatial in a Sentence
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
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
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
the spatial dimensions of a room
Recent Examples of spatial from the Web
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Everything was organized according to an organizational spatial logic: well ordered yet welcoming; a bit cramped but clearly operational.
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A new skyscraper would be hard-pressed to match the atrium's spatial drama or its role as a gathering place.
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The spatial variations suggest that the dynamo of churning currents is larger than had been thought and may extend beyond the metallic hydrogen region, Dr. Connerney said.
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A dress-up parade and the trapeze seem to appeal to children who like fantasy and role-playing, while the human cannonball and lion acts draw those who enjoy making judgments about spatial relationships and playing in competition.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spatial'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of spatial
Latin spatium space
First Known Use: 1847
SPATIAL Defined for English Language Learners
spatial
playDefinition of spatial for English Language Learners
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: of or relating to space and the relationship of objects within it
SPATIAL Defined for Kids
spatial
playDefinition of spatial for Students
: of or relating to space
Medical Dictionary
spatial
playMedical Definition of spatial
1: relating to, occupying, or having the character of space affected with spatial disorientation
2: of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space tests of spatial ability
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See words that rhyme with spatial Spanish Central: Translation of spatial Nglish: Translation of spatial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spatial for Arabic speakers
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