n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ā s
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French espace, space, from Latin spatium area, room, interval of space or time
Date: 14th century
1 : a period of time also : its duration
2 a : a limited extent in one, two, or three dimensions : DISTANCE , AREA , VOLUME b : an extent set apart or available <parking space > <floor space > c : the distance from other people or things that a person needs in order to remain comfortable <invading my personal space >
3 : one of the degrees between or above or below the lines of a musical staff ― compare LINE
4 a : a boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction <infinite space and time> b : physical space independent of what occupies it ― called also absolute space
5 : the region beyond the earth's atmosphere or beyond the solar system
6 a : a blank area separating words or lines b : material used to produce such blank area especially : a piece of type less than one en in width
7 : a set of mathematical elements and especially of abstractions of all the points on a line, in a plane, or in physical space especially : a set of mathematical entities with a set of axioms of geometric character ― compare METRIC SPACE , TOPOLOGICAL SPACE , VECTOR SPACE
8 a : LINAGE b : broadcast time available especially to advertisers
9 : accommodations on a public vehicle
10 a : the opportunity to assert or experience one's identity or needs freely b : an opportunity for privacy or time to oneself