subspace

sub- +‎ space

subspace (countable and uncountable, plural subspaces)

1. (countable, mathematics) A subset of a space which is a space in its own right.
2. (uncountable, science fiction) Any (often unspecified) method of communicating or travelling faster than light speed.
3. (uncountable, science fiction) An alternative dimension or universe, access to or use of which permits faster-than-light travel or communications; hyperspace.

• cyclic subspace
• invariant subspace
• linear subspace
• subspace topology

sub (“submissive”) +‎ space (“state of mind”).

subspace (uncountable)

1. (BDSM) The psychological state of the submissive or bottom during sadomasochistic activity.
   • 2000, Gloria G Brame, Come hither: a commonsense guide to kinky sex:

     My problem, though, is that when he whips me, I resist going into subspace. He has to whip me for fifteen or twenty minutes before I even begin to feel any psychological effects.

   • 2003, Chelsea Shepard, Two Moons: Worthy of a Master Book One:

     When he was far gone into subspace, pain was enough to make him come.

• topspace