overflow - How to set CSS properties so <td> can wrap with white-space but have a certain height? -

i have table fixed layout. columns set 25% wide (four columns) , rows set 20% in height (5 rows). have text larger side , overflowing next row. have set overflow: hidden, doesn't seem apply <td>. if white-space: nowrap doesn't take advantage of 20% height set cell, takes 1 line.

how can work around text wrapped, cut off @ 20% height?

thanks!

table cells difficult style. usual solution wrap contents in div, so

<td>    original contents </td> 

becomes

<td>    <div>       original contents    </div> </td> 

and apply styles had td div.