dimension

UK: dɪˈmɛnʃən | US: dɪˈmɛnʃən

Definition

  1. n. a measurable extent of a particular kind, such as length, width, or height

  2. n. an aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing

  3. n. (mathematics) the number of coordinates required to specify a point in space

Structure
di <apart>mens <measure>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

dimension = di<apart> + mens<measure> + ion<noun suffix>

  • di- (apart): From Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "in different directions."
  • mens (measure): From Latin mensus (past participle of metiri, "to measure").
  • -ion (noun suffix): Forms nouns indicating action or condition, from Latin -io.

Etymology Origin:
The word "dimension" traces back to Latin dimensio, derived from dimetiri ("to measure out"). The prefix di- implies separation or distribution, while mens relates to measurement. Originally used in geometry to describe spatial measurements (length, width, depth), it later expanded metaphorically to describe abstract "aspects" (e.g., "a new dimension to the problem"). The suffix -ion solidifies its role as a noun.

Examples

  1. The room’s dimensions are 10 meters by 15 meters.

  2. Time is often considered the fourth dimension.

  3. The artist added a surreal dimension to the painting.

  4. This discovery introduces a new dimension to our research.

  5. The software supports 3D modeling in multiple dimensions.