First Known Use: 1550
Dictionary
1vacuum
noun vac·u·um \ˈva-(ˌ)kyüm, -kyəm also -kyü-əm\
: an empty space in which there is no air or other gas : a space from which all or most of the air has been removed
: a situation created when an important person or thing has gone and has not been replaced
plural vac·u·ums or vac·ua \-kyə-wə\
Full Definition of VACUUM
1
: emptiness of space
2
a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
3
a : a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void <the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French — Norman Cousins> b : a state of isolation from outside influences <people who live in a vacuum…so that the world outside them is of no moment — W. S. Maugham>
4
: a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum; especially : vacuum cleaner
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Origin of VACUUM
Latin, from neuter of vacuus empty, from vacare to be empty
Other Physics Terms
2vacuum
adjective
Definition of VACUUM
1
: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum <separated by means of vacuum distillation>
2
: of or relating to a vacuum device or system
First Known Use of VACUUM
1825
Other Physics Terms
3vacuum
verb
: to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner
Full Definition of VACUUM
transitive verb
1
: to use a vacuum device (as a vacuum cleaner) on <vacuum the living room>
2
: to draw or take in by or as if by suction
intransitive verb
: to operate a vacuum device
See vacuum defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of VACUUM
1922
VACUUM Defined for Kids
1vacuum
noun vac·u·um \ˈva-ˌkyüm\
plural vac·u·ums or vac·ua \-kyə-wə\
Definition of VACUUM for Kids
1
: a space completely empty of matter
2
: a space from which most of the air has been removed (as by a pump)
3
2vacuum
verb
vac·u·umedvac·u·um·ing
Definition of VACUUM for Kids
: to use a vacuum cleaner on <She's vacuuming the carpet.>
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