three-dimensional

[three-di-men-shuh-nl, -dahy-]

adjective

1. having, or seeming to have, the dimension of depth as well as width and height.

2. (especially in a literary work) fully developed.

   The story came alive chiefly because the characters were vividly three-dimensional.

three-dimensional

adjective

1. of, having, or relating to three dimensions

   three-dimensional space

2. (of a film, transparency, etc) simulating the effect of depth by presenting slightly different views of a scene to each eye

3. having volume

4. lifelike or real

Other Word Forms

• threedimensionality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-dimensional¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Researchers have developed a polymer structure shaped like a "Chinese lantern" that can quickly change into more than a dozen curved, three-dimensional forms when it is compressed or twisted.

Read more on Science Daily

In the Monstrous Seas gallery, both fossils and three-dimensional models represent the marine creatures that formerly swam below.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Coogan believes Partridge's longevity is down to him having "evolved" into a more "three-dimensional" figure, capable of evoking "pathos".

Read more on BBC

The tiny but exquisite intaglio shows two lean but muscled warriors going at it in shallow three-dimensional space.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The three-dimensional sign was installed as part of an $80-million face lift of the airport’s main entrance ahead of the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

Read more on Los Angeles Times