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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of third dimension

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

And I just started writing songs, and I found that it was like a third dimension, sort of “Twilight Zone”-style, that I could go to and exit my body entirely.

From Los Angeles Times

Van der Waals materials are made up of strongly bonded 2D layers that are bound in the third dimension through weaker van der Waals forces.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From Washington Post

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

From Salon