What are dimensions? Surely many have heard this term in conversation, but not everyone knows its exact interpretation. First of all, when pronouncing this word, a person has an idea about the size of something. In this article we will consider all aspects of this concept.
Dictionary Description
The dictionary describes several options for what dimensions are. Let us consider in more detail the interpretation data:
- Extreme, maximum permissible outlines of an object, as well as the gap between various structures.
- The value of the dimensions in railway transport is extremely important. One of the interpretations of this term is described as a special frame, which corresponds to the contour of the transported object (cargo). With its help, the transported cargo is measured to determine the permissible sizes. Before transporting any item by rail, the load itself is measured using this frame - size.
- The distance from the rails, which is measured in horizontal and vertical directions. Closer than this distance, any installation of various designs is prohibited. According to the rules, rail dimensions should not exceed a distance of 3 x 2 meters.
- Dimensions in the plural are the linear dimensions of any item, in most cases they include width and height.
Other values
The definition of "overall" applies to automotive lighting technology. On each car marker lights are installed. They must be included in the event of an emergency stop. In the situation when one of the side lights does not work, a reflective sign (triangle) should be installed.
When answering the question of what size is, it is necessary to mention the models in museums. So, for example, in the expositions of museums you can find models of guns, or parts of the ship, which are called dimensions.
Dimensions are the ultimate shape (contours) of the workpiece, for example, on a lathe or woodworking machine. In this case, the dimension determines the cross section of the part. Also called the size of the fixture, with which the part (workpiece) is installed and fixed as necessary on the machine.
Etymology and Synonyms
Having considered the meaning of the term in the dictionary, it is worth talking about the synonyms of this word. These include the following words: measurements, dimensions, contour, outline. In a more simplified version, this is the width, length and height.
Having clarified the question of what dimensions are, it is necessary to turn to the origins of this word. It came to the Russian language from France, it is written as it is heard - gabarit, and in translation it means "template, size". You can see that this word did not transform at all and remained in its original form, both in spelling and in semantic load.
Application and meaning
In order to better understand the meaning of the word "size", it is necessary to pay attention to how it is used in everyday life under various circumstances.
So, for example, the dimensions are typical for machines and mechanisms, as well as moving segments of units in machines (machine tools) and in motor vehicles. Those parts that are motionless, and inside which are moving mechanisms that have their own contours. Dimensions in this case are necessary for the proper operation of internal mechanisms.
The value of the dimensions is especially strict for those machines that have a certain trajectory of movement. For example, in railway transport and trams, which are limited by rail traffic, or trolleybuses, “tied” to electric wires.
There are vehicles that have a variable trajectory, but in this case, you must comply with the dimensions. It should be noted that in this situation the observance of dimensions is simplified in comparison with rail transport and trolleybuses.
Dimensions in the railway transport
Studying the question of what size is, it should be noted that this term is used quite widely in human economic activity. However, most often this word can be heard on the railway. In particular, the term “dimension” is used in the following cases:
- Dimensions of rolling stock, which must fully comply with strict requirements.
- Dimensions of approaching various buildings (the rolling stock itself must correspond to them for unimpeded movement).
- Dimensions of unloading and loading, which are used in all CIS countries and mean limit characteristics (outlines) necessary for transportation and securing of various cargoes.
- Overall dimension - maximum permissible cargo parameters in width, length and height.
- Oversized cargo is the discrepancy between the item (cargo) and the required standards.
From the foregoing, you can see how widely the term “dimensions” is used, and how much significance they have in a given area. It is important to remember that compliance with dimensional requirements is mandatory. They are aimed at the safety and preservation of human life.