dimension

views updated Jun 08 2018

di·men·sion / diˈmenchən/ • n. 1. an aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing: sun-dried tomatoes add a new dimension to this sauce.2. (usu. dimensions) a measurable extent of some kind, such as length, breadth, depth, or height: the final dimensions of the pond were 14 ft. x 8 ft. | the drawing must be precise in dimension. ∎  a mode of linear extension of which there are three in space and two on a flat surface, which corresponds to one of a set of coordinates specifying the position of a point. ∎  Physics an expression for a derived physical quantity in terms of fundamental quantities such as mass, length, or time, raised to the appropriate power (acceleration, for example, having the dimension of length × time−2).• v. [tr.] (often be dimensioned) cut or shape (something) to particular measurements. ∎  mark (a diagram) with measurements: [as adj.] (dimensioned) draw a dimensioned front elevation. DERIVATIVES: di·men·sion·al / -chənl/ adj. [in comb.] multidimensional scaling.di·men·sion·al·i·ty / diˌmenchəˈnalətē/ n.di·men·sion·al·ly / -chənl-ē/ adj.di·men·sion·less adj.