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View synonyms for vacuum
vacuum
[ vak-yoom, -yoo-uhm, -yuhm ]
noun
, plural vac·u·ums vac·u·a [vak, -yoo-, uh]
- a space entirely devoid of matter.
- an enclosed space from which matter, especially air, has been partially removed so that the matter or gas remaining in the space exerts less pressure than the atmosphere ( plenum ).
- the state or degree of exhaustion in such an enclosed space.
The loss left a vacuum in his heart.
- a vacuum cleaner or sweeper.
- Physics. a state of lowest energy in a quantum field theory.
adjective
- of, pertaining to, employing, or producing a vacuum.
- (of a hollow container) partly exhausted of gas or air.
- pertaining to a device or process that makes use of a vacuum to accomplish a desired task.
- noting or pertaining to canning or packaging in which air is removed from the container to prevent deterioration of the contents.
verb (used with object)
- to use a vacuum cleaner on; clean with a vacuum cleaner:
to vacuum rugs.
- to treat with any vacuum device, as a vacuum drier.
verb (used without object)
- to use a vacuum cleaner:
to vacuum in the dining room.
vacuum
/ ˈvækjʊəm /
noun
- a region containing no matter; free space Compare plenum
- a region in which gas is present at a low pressure
- the degree of exhaustion of gas within an enclosed space
a high vacuum
a perfect vacuum
- a sense or feeling of emptiness
his death left a vacuum in her life
- short for vacuum cleaner
- modifier of, containing, measuring, producing, or operated by a low gas pressure
a vacuum tube
a vacuum brake
verb
- to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner
to vacuum a carpet
vacuum
/ văk′yo̅o̅m /
, Plural vacuums
- A region of space in which there is no matter.
- A region of space having extremely low gas pressure relative to surrounding pressure. The air pump of a vacuum cleaner, for example, drastically reduces the air pressure inside the device, creating a vacuum; the pressure difference causes air to rush into it, carrying dust and debris along with it.
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Notes
In the natural world, air will flow into regions of vacuum, giving rise to the saying “Nature abhors a vacuum.”
The saying is extended informally: in politics, a lack of leadership may be referred to as a vacuum, which will presumably be filled by others rushing in.
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Other Words From
- non·vacu·um adjective noun plural nonvacuums nonvacua
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Word History and Origins
Origin of vacuum1
First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin, neuter of vacuus “empty”
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Word History and Origins
Origin of vacuum1
C16: from Latin: an empty space, from vacuus empty
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