vacuum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the absence of matter
    vacuity.
  2. noun an empty area or space
    vacancy; void; emptiness.
    • the huge desert voids
    • the emptiness of outer space
    • without their support he'll be ruling in a vacuum
  3. noun a region that is devoid of matter
    vacuity.
  4. noun an electrical home appliance that cleans by suction
    vacuum cleaner.
  5. verb clean with a vacuum cleaner
    vacuum-clean; hoover.
    • vacuum the carpets

WordNet

Vac"u*um noun
Etymology
L., fr. vacuus empty. See Vacuous.
Wordforms
plural E Vacuums L Vacua
Definitions
  1. (Physics) A space entirely devoid of matter (called also, by way of distinction, absolute vacuum); hence, in a more general sense, a space, as the interior of a closed vessel, which has been exhausted to a high or the highest degree by an air pump or other artificial means; as, water boils at a reduced temperature in a vacuum.
  2. The condition of rarefaction, or reduction of pressure below that of the atmosphere, in a vessel, as the condenser of a steam engine, which is nearly exhausted of air or steam, etc.; as, a vacuum of 26 inches of mercury, or 13 pounds per square inch.

Webster 1913