fourth dimension

See synonyms for fourth dimension on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. Physics, Mathematics. a dimension in addition to length, width, and depth, used so as to be able to employ geometrical language in discussing phenomena that depend on four variables: Time is considered a fourth dimension for locating points in space-time.

  2. something beyond the kind of normal human experience that can be explained scientifically: The story deals with ESP and other excursions into the fourth dimension.

Origin of fourth dimension

1
First recorded in 1870–75

Other words from fourth dimension

  • fourth-di·men·sion·al, adjective

Words Nearby fourth dimension

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for fourth dimension

fourth dimension

noun
  1. the dimension of time, which is necessary in addition to three spatial dimensions to specify fully the position and behaviour of a point or particle

  2. the concept in science fiction of a dimension in addition to three spatial dimensions, used to explain supernatural phenomena, events, etc

Derived forms of fourth dimension

  • fourth-dimensional, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for fourth dimension

fourth dimension

[ fôrth ]


  1. Time regarded as a coordinate dimension. A fourth dimension is required by relativity theory, along with three spatial dimensions, to specify completely the location of any event.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.