The space bar, spacebar, or space key, is a key on an alphanumeric keyboard in the form of a horizontal bar in the lowermost row, significantly wider than other keys. Its main purpose is to conveniently enter a space, e.g., between words during typing. It is large enough so that a thumb from either hand can use it. The space bar key is almost always found on the bottom row of standard QWERTY or Dvorak keyboard layouts. Although it varies by Operating System, the space bar usually lies between the Alt (Windows) or Command (Mac) keys and below keys: c, v, b, n, m.
Depending on the operating system, the space bar used with a modifier key such as the control key may have functions such as resizing or closing the current window, half-spacing, or even backspacing. On web browsers, the space bar usually allows the user to scroll down or to scroll up when the space bar is used with the shift key.
In many programs for playback of linear media, the space bar is used for pausing and resuming playback, or for manually advancing through text.
Famous quotes containing the words space and/or bar:
“At first thy little being came:
If nothing once, you nothing lose,
For when you die you are the same;
The space between, is but an hour,
The frail duration of a flower.”
—Philip Freneau (1752–1832)
“O City city, I can sometimes hear
Beside a public bar in Lower Thames Street,
The pleasant whining of a mandolin
And a clatter and a chatter from within
Where fishmen lounge at noon.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)