I. də-ˈmen(t)-shən also dī- noun
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 dimension s
also : a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property
the three dimension 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 — 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 ə l 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 ə l-ē adverb
• di·men·sion·less -ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs adjective
II. transitive verb
( di·men·sioned ; di·men·sion·ing -ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ)
Date: 1754
1. : to form to the required dimensions
2. : to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)