[di.men.sion] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L dimension-, dimensio, fr. dimetiri to measure out, fr. dis- + metiri to measure--more at measure] (14c) 1 a (1): measure in one direction; specif: 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 usu. mathematical entities (as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space) "the surface of a sphere has two ~s"; also: a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property "the three ~s 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--usu. used in pl. e: one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity: aspect
2. obs: 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 adj -- di.men.sion.al.i.ty n -- di.men.sion.al.ly adv -- di.men.sion.less adj
[2]dimension vt di.men.sioned ; di.men.sion.ing (1754) 1: to form to the required dimensions
2: to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)