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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary di·men·sion
ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin dimension-, dimensio, from dimetiri to measure out, from dis- + metiri to measure — more at measure DATE 14th century 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
transitive verb DATE 1754 1. to form to the required dimensions 2. to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing) English Etymology dimension early 15c., from L. dimensionem (nom. dimensio), from stem of dimetri "to measure out," from dis- + metri "to measure." Related: Dimensional; dimensions. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 dimension di·men·sion / dai5menFn; di- / noun1. a measurement in space, for example the height, width or length of sth 维(构成空间的因素): We measured the dimensions of the kitchen. 我们测量了厨房的面积。 computer design tools that work in seven dimensions 计算机三维设计工具 ⇨ see also fourth dimension 2. [usually pl.] the size and extent of a situation 大小；规模；程度；范围: a problem of considerable dimensions 一个涉及面相当广的问题 3. an aspect, or way of looking at or thinking about sth 方面；侧面: Her job added a new dimension to her life. 她的工作为她的生活增添了新的内容。 the social dimension of unemployment 失业的社会因素 Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English dimension noun 1 (often dimensions) measurements ADJ. approximate | exact, precise It is important to measure the exact dimensions of the room. | overall | compact Despite the unit's compact dimensions, there's still plenty of room for expansion. | considerable a structure of considerable dimensions | fourth, second, third The fourth dimension, time, is also finite in extent. | physical, space/spatial, temporal/time | horizontal, vertical VERB + DIMENSION check, measure Can we just check the dimensions of the bedroom again? PHRASES in two/three dimensions a model in three dimensions 2 aspect ADJ. added, additional, different, extra, further, new | distinct In looking at population ageing we will consider two distinct dimensions. | wider There is a wider dimension to the question. | crucial, essential, important, main, major, significant | global, international, local, national, regional Communication via the Internet gives an important international dimension to the project. | aesthetic, class, cultural, economic, ethical, historical, human, ideological, moral, personal, political, religious, social, spiritual VERB + DIMENSION add, give (sth) Her illness adds an extra dimension to the problem. | have The affair had a different dimension now. | acquire, take on The crisis acquired a new dimension. PREP. ~ to the spiritual dimension to our lives OLT dimension noun ⇨ aspect (the social dimension of unemployment)⇨ size (the dimensions of the kitchen) Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged di·men·sion I. \də̇ˈmenchən sometimes dīˈ-\ noun (-s) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English dimensioun, from Middle French dimension, from Latin dimension-, dimensio, from dimensus (past participle of dimetiri to measure out, from di- — from dis- apart — + metiri to measure) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at dis- , measure 1. a. : measure in a single line (as length, breadth, height, thickness, or circumference) : one of the three coordinates of position; specifically : the physical characteristic of length, breadth, or thickness < a line has one dimension (length), a plane has two dimensions (length and breadth), and a cube has three dimensions (length, breadth, and thickness) > — usually used in plural b. : the quality of spatial extension < dimension is a common trait of all matter > : magnitude , size < the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways — Jane Shellhase > c. (1) : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : extent , scope , proportions < the vast dimensions of the disaster > < music grown to the dimensions of a great art > — usually used in plural (2) : the quality, character, or moral or intellectual stature proper to or belonging to a person < reduced to his own natural dimensions — J.G.Lockhart > — usually used in plural (3) chiefly in literature and art : lifelike or realistic quality < a portrayal from which the character of Hamlet emerges bloodless, without dimension > : largeness of vision or thought < reasoned convictions give his work a dimension lacking in the plays of lesser men > d. (1) : the particular set of circumstances or environmental factors within which someone or something exists or with reference to which something is viewed < for a social novelist … time is the dimension in which his materials exist — Granville Hicks > (2) : one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity < no other character in the book has more than one dimension > : one of the planes of organization or one of the aspects of a cultural phenomenon < every human situation has environmental, organic, and social dimensions > < preoccupation with geography at the expense of other dimensions of dialectal diversity — Glenna R. Pickford > : an independent variable or a combination of variables < a psychological test measuring dimensions of personality > : quality , aspect , trait 2. archaic : the act or an instance of measuring : measurement 3. obsolete : bodily form or proportions < hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions? — Shakespeare > 4. : one of a set of coordinates containing the number of coordinates necessary and sufficient to distinguish any one of the elements of a magnitude or aggregate from all others : one of the three coordinates of momentum 5. : one of the fundamental units or powers thereof that enter into the makeup of a derived unit < the gram, the square of the centimeter, and the -2 power of the second are the dimensions of the erg > 6. : wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size: as a. : yard lumber usually over two inches and under five inches thick and of any width b. : hardwood in small squares of varying length and thickness for the use especially of manufacturers of furniture c. : blocks or slabs of natural stone used chiefly for the construction of masonry walls and memorials Synonyms: see size II. transitive verb (dimensioned ; dimensioned ; dimensioning \-ch(ə)niŋ\ ; dimensions) 1. : to make or form (as by cutting or planing) to the required dimensions < the shaft is dimensioned to fit any wheel > 2. : to figure with dimensions and sometimes also with tolerances (as an architectural plan or a working drawing) : indicate the dimensions on (a drawing) III. noun : the number of elements in a basis of a vector space |
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