three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce three-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions
2
: giving the illusion of depth or varying distances
used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means
3
: describing or being described in well-rounded completeness
a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processesL. L. Snyder
4
: true to life : lifelike
three-dimensionality noun

Examples of three-dimensional in a Sentence

an actress who has been acclaimed for her three-dimensional portrayal of the celebrated monarch
Recent Examples on the Web This climate preserves the rocky, three-dimensional glyphs that decorate the pebbly landscape. Carly Miller, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Complex programs exist already, such as AlphaFold, which predicts the structure of three-dimensional compounds using data on protein sequences. Karen Firestone, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024 In 2020, Japanese researchers reconstructed micrographs of histological sections from a species of catshark into a three-dimensional model, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the anatomy of a scroll-type spiral intestine. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2024 Thanks to scenic reproductions, authentic objects, memorabilia and three-dimensional views, visitors can get to know the complete story of the infamous Titanic. Andrea Onate, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for three-dimensional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'three-dimensional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-dimensional was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near three-dimensional

Cite this Entry

“Three-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-dimensional. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

three-dimensional

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)
2
: giving the appearance of depth or varying distances

More from Merriam-Webster on three-dimensional

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