third dimension

American  

noun

1. the additional dimension by which a solid object is distinguished from a planar projection of itself or from any planar object.

2. something that heightens the reality, vividness, or significance of a factual account, sequence of happenings, etc..

   The illustrations added a third dimension to the story.

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third dimension British  

noun

1. the additional dimension by which a solid object may be distinguished from a two-dimensional drawing or picture of it or from any planar object

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Etymology

Origin of third dimension

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

But, like others, the researchers found that the electrons could escape up and out of the lattice, through the third dimension.

From Science Daily • Nov. 8, 2023

But some of her recent work pushes into the third dimension, incorporating rippled clay that looks like rumpled fabric.

From Washington Post • Apr. 21, 2023

"There is this third dimension of space which offers so much more exciting information and perspective that we tend to ignore."

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2022

And the third dimension is that her body itself is shouting at her and saying, ‘Pay attention to me.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2022

You need a tool to help you see it, but that third dimension is there, too tiny to see under normal conditions.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife