spatial

American  

[spey-shuhl] / ˈspeɪ ʃəl /

Rarely spacial

adjective

1. of or relating to space, the three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur.

2. existing or occurring in space; having extension in space.

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spatial British  

/ ˈspeɪʃəl, ˌspeɪʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to space

2. existing or happening in space

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Other Word Forms

• nonspatial adjective
• nonspatiality noun
• quasi-spatial adjective
• spatiality noun
• spatially adverb
• unspatial adjective
• unspatiality noun

Etymology

Origin of spatial

First recorded in 1840–50; from Latin spati(um) space + -al ¹

Compare meaning

How does spatial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• spatial vs. temporal summation

Example Sentences

“Why are they so complicated? We needed to put monitors in there. We’re going to have monitors in there showing some really insane spatial imagery. It gives them a really bold effect.”

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers describe how controlling several properties of light at once, including polarization, spatial modes, and frequency, makes it possible to create high-dimensional quantum states.

From Science Daily

Such tight control is critical for spatial multiplexing, a technique that could dramatically increase the number of quantum memories operating together on one device.

From Science Daily

“Those who adapt to a world of fragmentation, constraint, and spatial power will likely fare better,” they conclude.

From MarketWatch

“We can finally give machines something closer to human-level spatial intelligence,” she said.

From MarketWatch