[space] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OF espace, fr. L spatium area, room, interval of space or time] (14c) 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 ~" "floor ~"
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 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; esp: a piece of type less than one en in width 7: a set of mathematical elements and esp. of abstractions of all the points on a line, in a plane, or in physical space; esp: a set of mathematical entities with a set of axioms of geometric character--compare metric space, topological space, vector space 8: an interval in operation during which a telegraph key is not in contact
9. a: linage b: broadcast time available esp. to advertisers 10: accommodations on a public vehicle 11: the opportunity to assert or experience one's identity or needs freely
[2]space vb spaced ; spac.ing vt (1703): to place at intervals or arrange with space between--often used with out ~ vi: to leave one or more blank spaces (as in a line of typing) -- spac.er n