two-dimensional

adjective

two-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈtü-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce two-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: of, relating to, or having two dimensions
The most symmetric of the two-dimensional objects is the circle, because you can rotate it any amount and reflect it over any axis through its center, and it remains exactly the same …Tamara M. Davis
… consider a piece of paper, a two-dimensional object. Crumple the paper up. The more tightly it's compressed, the more chaotic are its folds, and the closer the two-dimensional surface moves to becoming a three-dimensional solid.John Briggs and F. David Peat
2
: lacking the illusion of depth : not three-dimensional
His violent, nakedly two-dimensional art can be difficult to capture in photographs, depending as it does in great measure on knotty textures and eccentric color schemes for effect.Publishers Weekly
3
: lacking depth of characterization
two-dimensional characters
two-dimensionality noun
plural two-dimensionalities
two-dimensionally adverb
This guide … covers thoroughly and in-depth the process of representing the human form two-dimensionally on paper. Heather Halliday

Examples of two-dimensional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wedged under his arm like a beloved clutch bag on a night out, Pugh’s rigid two-dimensional form topped off Garfield’s outfit perfectly. Leah Dolan, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Depth Pro enables high-speed generation of detailed 3D depth maps from a single two-dimensional image. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024 Online presentations present unique challenges, especially when the two-dimensional screen dilutes the impact of your message. William Arruda, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Translation only stabilizes based on the X and Y axis (two-dimensional) motion. PCMAG, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for two-dimensional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'two-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

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of two-dimensional was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near two-dimensional

Cite this Entry

“Two-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/two-dimensional. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

two-dimensional

adjective
: of, relating to, or having two dimensions (as length and width)

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