# spacer

/ˈspeɪsɝ/ (US) · /spˈeɪsɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spacer
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a small piece of material used to keep two things apart. In medicine, it can also mean a person who stays in a hospital room to help others feel safe.

For teachers: a device or material used to maintain a gap between two surfaces or objects. In a clinical context, it refers to a patient who remains in a hospital room to provide a sense of security to others.

## Examples

- The doctor used a small spacer to keep the two metal plates apart.
- The hospital introduced a policy where a spacer would stay in the room to help patients feel less isolated during the night.
- While the primary function of the mechanical spacer is to prevent structural contact, its psychological role in clinical settings is equally significant for patient well-being.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.