dimension

I. 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 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 • dimensional adjective • dimensionality noun • dimensionally adverb • dimensionless adjective II. transitive verb (dimensioned; dimensioning) Date: 1754 1. to form to the required dimensions 2. to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)