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Definition of dimension noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

dimension

noun
 
/daɪˈmenʃn/,
 
/dɪˈmenʃn/
 
/daɪˈmenʃn/,
 
/dɪˈmenʃn/
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  1. a measurement in space, for example how high, wide or long something is
    • We measured the dimensions of the kitchen.
    • computer design tools that work in three dimensions
    see also fourth dimension
    Extra Examples
    • Despite the unit's compact dimensions, there's still plenty of room for expansion.
    • It is important to measure the exact dimensions of the room.
    • The fourth dimension, time, is also finite in extent.
    • a model in three dimensions
    • a structure of considerable dimensions
    • The images can be viewed in three dimensions using these special glasses.
    • The rectangles are arranged with their longer dimension running from top to bottom.
    Topics Colours and Shapesc1, Maths and measurementc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • approximate
    • exact
    • precise
    verb + dimension
    • check
    • measure
    phrases
    • in two dimensions
    • in three dimensions
    See full entry
  2. [usually plural] the size and extent of a situation
    • a problem of considerable dimensions
  3. an aspect, or way of looking at or thinking about something
    • Her job added a new dimension to her life.
    • We should also consider the social dimension of unemployment.
    Extra Examples
    • Communication via the internet gives an important international dimension to the project.
    • Her illness adds an extra dimension to the problem.
    • In looking at population ageing we will consider two distinct dimensions.
    • The affair had a different dimension now.
    • The crisis acquired a new dimension.
    • There is a wider dimension to the question.
    • the spiritual dimension to our lives
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • added
    • additional
    • different
    verb + dimension
    • add
    • bring
    • give (something)
    preposition
    • dimension to
    See full entry
  4. Word Originlate Middle English (in sense (1)): via Old French from Latin dimensio(n-), from dimetiri ‘measure out’. Sense (2) dates from the 1920s.
See dimension in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee dimension in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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Physics and chemistry
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