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

"It's easier to have a spatial mapping of what you're trying to decode compared to the lower limbs."

From Science Daily

This spatial repetition restricts electrons to specific energy levels, known as bands.

From Science Daily

The review also calls for improved climate models with much finer spatial detail.

From Science Daily

Their short-term memory deteriorated, as did their spatial awareness.

From BBC

“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