What does "dimension" mean?

1. (measurement) a measurement of something in one direction, such as its height, width, or length. 2. (aspect or feature) a particular part or feature of a situation. 3. (physics and math) the number of coordinates needed to find a point in space, like 3D. 4. (computing) one of the ranges used to organize data in a large table or array. 5. (parallel world) a different world or plane of existence, often in science fiction stories. 6. (to set size) to give something a specific size or to mark its measurements.

How do you use "dimension"?

Often used in the plural when referring to the overall size of an object.

dimension

n. · v.

US //dɪˈmɛnʃən// UK //daɪmˈɛnʃən// di·men·sion

1 measurement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a measurement of something in one direction, such as its height, width, or length.

a measure of spatial extent in a particular direction, typically height, width, or depth.

Example

We need to know the exact dimensions of the room before we buy a new sofa.

Example

The architect specified the precise dimensions of the structural beams to ensure the roof could support the weight of the winter snow.

Usage

Often used in the plural when referring to the overall size of an object.
2 aspect or feature (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

a particular part or feature of a situation.

a distinct component or aspect of a situation, problem, or concept.

Example

The new law adds a political dimension to the environmental debate.

Example

The discovery of the ancient manuscript adds an entirely new dimension to our understanding of early trade routes in the region.

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3 physics and math (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the number of coordinates needed to find a point in space, like 3D.

the number of independent coordinates required to uniquely specify a point within a mathematical space.

Example

In physics, time is often described as the fourth dimension.

Example

The algorithm operates in a high-dimensional space, processing hundreds of variables simultaneously to predict market fluctuations.
- coordinate
4 computing (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

one of the ranges used to organize data in a large table or array.

any of the independent ranges of indices in a multidimensional array or data structure.

Example

The programmer defined a three-dimensional array to store the weather data.

Example

When the dataset grew too large, the engineers had to reduce the number of dimensions to improve the processing speed of the neural network.
5 parallel world (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a different world or plane of existence, often in science fiction stories.

a hypothetical or fictional plane of existence or parallel universe.

Example

In the movie, the hero travels to another dimension to save his family.

Example

The science fiction novel explores the terrifying possibility of creatures crossing over from a parallel dimension into our own.
- realm
- universe
6 to set size (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Technical

to give something a specific size or to mark its measurements.

to specify the size of a data structure or to shape a physical object to specific measurements.

Example

The engineer had to dimension the parts carefully so they would fit together.

Example

The software allows users to dimension the architectural drawing automatically, ensuring all labels match the scale of the model.
- measure
- size

Origin

From Latin dīmēnsiō.

Word family

Noundimension
Adjectivedimensional
Adjectivemultidimensional