space

[ speys ]

noun

1. the unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur.
2. the portion or extent of this in a given instance; extent or room in three dimensions:

   the space occupied by a body.

3. extent or area in two dimensions; a particular extent of surface:

   to fill out blank spaces in a document.

4. Fine Arts.
   1. the designed and structured surface of a picture:

      In Mondrian's later work he organized space in highly complex rhythms.

   2. the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface.
5. outer space ( def 1 ).
6. deep space.
7. a seat, berth, or room on a train, airplane, etc.
8. a place available for a particular purpose:

   a parking space.

9. linear distance; a particular distance:

   trees separated by equal spaces.

10. Mathematics. a system of objects with relations between the objects defined.
11. extent, or a particular extent, of time:

    a space of two hours.

12. an interval of time; a while:

    After a space he continued his story.

13. an area or interval allowed for or taken by advertising, as in a periodical, on the radio, etc.
14. Music. the interval between two adjacent lines of the staff.
15. an interval or blank area in text:

    a space between the letters.

16. Printing. one of the blank pieces of metal, less than type-high, used to separate words, sentences, etc.
17. Telegraphy. an interval during the transmitting of a message when the key is not in contact.
18. radio or television broadcast time allowed or available for a program, advertisement, etc.
19. freedom or opportunity to express oneself, resolve a personal difficulty, be alone, etc.; allowance, understanding, or noninterference:

    Right now, you can help by giving me some space.

verb (used with object)

, spaced, spac·ing.

1. to fix the space or spaces of; divide into spaces.
2. to set some distance apart.
3. Printing, Writing.
   1. to separate (words, letters, or lines) by spaces.
   2. to extend by inserting more space or spaces (usually followed by out ).

verb (used with or without object)

, spaced, spac·ing.

1. Informal. to forget: I spaced on your present, I’m so sorry.

   I had an appointment but I totally spaced.

   I spaced on your present, I’m so sorry.

   I spaced the deadline and now my homework's late.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with outer space or deep space:

   a space mission.

2. designed for or suitable to use in the exploration of outer space or deep space: specially packaged space food for astronauts.

   space tools;

   specially packaged space food for astronauts.

verb phrase

1. Informal. to become dazed or inattentive:

   Sorry, I spaced out and didn't catch that.

space

/ speɪs /

noun

1. the unlimited three-dimensional expanse in which all material objects are located spatial
2. an interval of distance or time between two points, objects, or events
3. a blank portion or area
4. 1. unoccupied area or room

      there is no space for a table

   2. ( in combination ) spacious

      space-saving

5. freedom to do what a person wishes to for his or her own personal development
6. 1. the region beyond the earth's atmosphere containing the other planets of the solar system, stars, galaxies, etc; universe
   2. ( as modifier )

      a space probe

      space navigation

7. 1. the region beyond the earth's atmosphere occurring between the celestial bodies of the universe. The density is normally negligible although cosmic rays, meteorites, gas clouds, etc, can occur. It can be divided into cislunar space (between the earth and moon), interplanetary space , interstellar space , and intergalactic space
   2. ( as modifier )

      a space simulator

      a space station

8. a seat or place, as on a train, aircraft, etc
9. printing
   1. a piece of metal, less than type-high, used to separate letters or words in hot-metal printing
   2. any of the gaps used to separate letters, words, or lines in photocomposition, desktop publishing, etc
10. music any of the gaps between the lines that make up the staff
11. maths a collection of unspecified points having properties that obey a specified set of axioms

    Euclidean space

12. Also calledspacing telegraphy the period of time that separates complete letters, digits, and other characters in Morse code

verb

1. to place or arrange at intervals or with spaces between
2. to divide into or by spaces

   to space one's time evenly

3. printing to separate (letters, words, or lines) by the insertion of spaces

space

/ spās /

1. The region of the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere.
2. ◆ The part of this region within the solar system is known as interplanetary space .
3. ◆ The part of this region beyond the solar system but within the Milky Way or within another galaxy is known as interstellar space .
4. ◆ The part of this region between the Milky Way and other galaxies is known as intergalactic space .
5. The familiar three-dimensional region or field of everyday experience.
6. Mathematics.
   A mathematical object, typically a set of sets, that is usually structured to define a range across which variables or other objects (such as a coordinate system) can be defined.

Other Words From

• spac·er noun
• mis·space verb (used with object) misspaced misspacing
• re·space verb (used with object) respaced respacing

Word History and Origins

Origin of space¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French espace, from Latin spatium

Word History and Origins

Origin of space¹

C13: from Old French espace, from Latin spatium

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with space , also see breathing space ; take up space .

Example Sentences

It was repeated so often in such a short space of time, it was as though someone at Old Trafford wanted it to be known Amorim is trying to address United's issues in transition.

From BBC

But, of course, it's only in the delusional alternative universe where Republicans live that the "status quo" is a space where victims of sexual violence typically see justice.

From Salon

"There simply isn’t enough space to cater for the increasing numbers."

From BBC

Policies increasing access to quality and affordable care "would give the women a little bit of breathing space," Scheyett said.

From Science Daily

A comparable U.S. venture called EarthScope, a $200 million, 20-year-long effort to map the North American underworld that wrapped up field studies a few months ago, spaced seismometers 70 kilometers apart.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• area
• arena
• capacity
• distance
• field
• location
• slot
• spot
• territory
• zone