four-dimensional

American  

[fawr-di-men-shuh-nl, fohr-] / ˈfɔr dɪˈmɛn ʃə nl, ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

Mathematics.

1. of a space having points, or a set having elements, which require four coordinates for their unique determination.

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four-dimensional British  

adjective

1. having or specified by four dimensions, esp the three spatial dimensions and the dimension of time

   a four-dimensional continuum

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Etymology

Origin of four-dimensional

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

To recover the illusion that time passes within this framework, four-dimensional space-time must exist in a manner more like the three-dimensional existing elephant — whose existence is described by four-dimensional space-time.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

This nomination isn't some four-dimensional chess as some are suggesting.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2024

Senator Roger Marshall, Republican of Kansas, described Mr. McConnell as “large and in charge of our lunches: He’s still playing four-dimensional chess up here when it comes to politics.”

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2023

So what does the optimal packing of n four-dimensional balls in four-dimensional space look like?

From Scientific American • Jun. 6, 2023

The mass of the sun curves space-time in such a way that although the earth follows a straight path in four-dimensional space-time, it appears to us to move along a circular orbit in three-dimensional space.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking