space

space [spās]

n.

[ME < OFr espace < L spatium < IE base * spēi-, to flourish, expand, succeed > SPEED, L spes, hope, ON sparr, OE spær, thrifty]

1.

a) the three-dimensional, continuous expanse extending in all directions and containing all matter: variously thought of as boundless or indeterminately finite

b) OUTER SPACE

c) the distance, expanse, or area between, over, within, etc. things

d) area or room sufficient for or allotted to something [a parking space]

2. an interval or period of time, often one of specified length

☆ 3. reserved accommodations [to buy space on a ship ]

☆ 4. room in a newspaper or magazine, or time on radio or TV, available for use by advertisers

5. Informal independence, privacy, and freedom to follow one's own interests

6. Math. a set of points or elements assumed to satisfy a given set of postulates (Ex.: space of one dimension is a line and of two dimensions is a plane)

7. Music the open area between any two lines of a staff

8. Printing

a) a blank piece of type metal used to separate characters or words

b) the area left vacant by this or by mechanical or electronic means on a printed or typed line

9. Telegraphy an interval when the key is open, or not in contact, during the sending of a message

adj.

of or pertaining to space, esp. to outer space

vt.

spaced, spacing

to arrange with space or spaces between; divide into or by spaces

——————

space out

to insert more space between letters, words, or lines so as to extend to the required length

spacer

n.