vac·u·um  (vāk'yōō-əm, -yōōm, -yəm) 
n.
pl. vac·u·ums or vac·u·a (-yōō-ə)
Absence of matter. A space empty of matter. A space relatively empty of matter. A space in which the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
A state of emptiness; a void. A state of being sealed off from external or environmental influences; isolation. pl. vac·uums A vacuum cleaner.
adj. Of, relating to, or used to create a vacuum. Containing air or other gas at a reduced pressure. Operating by means of suction or by maintaining a partial vacuum.
tr. & intr.v.
vac·u·umed, vac·u·um·ing, vac·u·umes
To clean with or use a vacuum cleaner.
[Latin, empty space, from neuter of vacuus, empty, from vacāre, to be empty; see euə- in Indo-European roots.] |
