dimension

¹di·men·sion

noun \də-ˈmen(t)-shən also dī-\

Definition of DIMENSION

1

a (1) : measure in one direction; specifically : one of three coordinates 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 (as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space) <the surface of a sphere has two dimensions>; also : a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property <the three dimensions of momentum> (3) : the number of elements in a basis of a vector space b : the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size c : a lifelike or realistic quality d : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope —usually used in plural e : one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect

2

obsolete : bodily form or proportions

3

: 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

— di·men·sion·al \-ˈmench-nəl, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl\ adjective

— di·men·sion·al·i·ty \-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

— di·men·sion·al·ly \-ˈmench-nə-lē, -ˈmen(t)-shə-n^əl-ē\ adverb

— di·men·sion·less \-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective

Examples of DIMENSION

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

Origin 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

Related to DIMENSION

Synonyms: bulk, ¹size, extent, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion

Related Words: area; capaciousness, commodiousness, roominess, spaciousness; ampleness, amplitude, bigness, bulkiness, enormousness, grandness, greatness, grossness, heftiness, hugeness, immenseness, immensity, largeness, mass, massiveness, monstrousness, stupendousness, tremendousness, vastness, volume, voluminousness

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

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