Compactification

Compactification is a concept in physics and mathematics where extra dimensions, beyond the familiar three of space, are "curled up" into tiny, unnoticeable sizes. Imagine a long, thin tube: from a distance, it looks like a one-dimensional line, but up close, you see its circular cross-section. Similarly, in theories like string theory, extra dimensions are compactified into small shapes, making them hidden from everyday experience. This process helps reconcile higher-dimensional models with the observable universe, effectively hiding extra dimensions in a way that aligns with physical observations.