Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Involving or relating to three dimensions: Having or appearing to have length, width, and depth, creating a lifelike, solid form.
   • Giving the illusion of depth: Specifically used for images, movies, or effects that create a convincing perception of depth on a two-dimensional surface.

2. Noun:

   • A three-dimensional form or appearance: The quality of having depth and solidity, as opposed to being flat.
   • A movie with images having three-dimensional form or appearance: A motion picture created and projected using techniques that produce a strong illusion of depth, often requiring special glasses to view.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The new animated film features incredibly lifelike three-d characters.
  • The artist created a three-d model of the building before construction began.

• Noun:

  • The latest superhero movie is being released in 3-D.
  • When I wear these glasses, the picture on the screen has amazing three-d.

Advanced Usage

• "Shot in three-D": Refers to a film that was originally filmed or created using stereoscopic techniques to capture depth.

  • The documentary about the ocean was spectacular because it was shot in three-D.

• "Three-d effect": The visual result that creates the perception of depth.

  • The pop-up book uses clever paper engineering to create a three-d effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Three-dimensional (adj): The full, formal term for having three dimensions. Often used interchangeably with "three-d" but is more common in formal or technical writing.

  • The software allows for three-dimensional modeling.

• 3D (adj/n): A common abbreviation, especially in branding and casual conversation.

  • I just bought a 3D printer.

• Stereoscopic (adj): A more technical term relating to the technique of creating a three-dimensional effect by presenting two offset images separately to the left and right eye.

  • The stereoscopic photography was groundbreaking for its time.

Synonyms

• Stereoscopic: Pertaining to a technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth.
• Volumetric: Having or relating to volume; occupying three-dimensional space (often used in technical/scientific contexts).

Related Phrases

• 3-D glasses / 3-D specs: Special eyewear worn to perceive the three-dimensional effect in movies or images.

  • Don't forget your 3-D glasses before the movie starts.

• 3-D printer: A device that creates a physical three-dimensional object from a digital model.

  • He used a 3-D printer to make a replacement part for his robot.

Adjective

1. involving or relating to three dimensions or aspects; giving the illusion of depth
   • lifelike three-dimensional characters
   • a three-dimensional account of conditions under the new government
   • they shot the movie in three-D

Noun

1. having a three-dimensional form or appearance
   • aren't dreams always in 3-D?
2. a movie with images having three dimensional form or appearance