vacuum

[ vak-yoom, -yoo-uhm, -yuhm ]

noun

, plural vac·u·ums vac·u·a [vak, -yoo-, uh]

1. a space entirely devoid of matter.
2. 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 ).
3. the state or degree of exhaustion in such an enclosed space.
4. a space not filled or occupied; emptiness; void:

   The loss left a vacuum in his heart.

5. a vacuum cleaner or sweeper.
6. Physics. a state of lowest energy in a quantum field theory.

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, employing, or producing a vacuum.
2. (of a hollow container) partly exhausted of gas or air.
3. pertaining to a device or process that makes use of a vacuum to accomplish a desired task.
4. 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)

1. to use a vacuum cleaner on; clean with a vacuum cleaner:

   to vacuum rugs.

2. to treat with any vacuum device, as a vacuum drier.

verb (used without object)

1. to use a vacuum cleaner:

   to vacuum in the dining room.

vacuum

/ ˈvækjʊəm /

noun

1. a region containing no matter; free space Compare plenum
2. a region in which gas is present at a low pressure
3. the degree of exhaustion of gas within an enclosed space

   a high vacuum

   a perfect vacuum

4. a sense or feeling of emptiness

   his death left a vacuum in her life

5. short for vacuum cleaner
6. modifier of, containing, measuring, producing, or operated by a low gas pressure

   a vacuum tube

   a vacuum brake

verb

1. to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner

   to vacuum a carpet

vacuum

/ văk′yo̅o̅m /

, Plural vacuums

1. A region of space in which there is no matter.
2. 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.

vacuum

1. The absence of matter .

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.

Other Words From

• non·vacu·um adjective noun plural nonvacuums nonvacua

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacuum¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin, neuter of vacuus “empty”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacuum¹

C16: from Latin: an empty space, from vacuus empty

Example Sentences

In the meantime, however, diplomats and analysts worry Israel will ratchet up the bloodshed in both conflicts, operating in the political vacuum as the U.S. changes administrations.

From Los Angeles Times

Plants are green because such wavelengths of light help it keep a consistent vacuum on the electromagnetic energy it slurps from the sun.

From Salon

Once the MOF is filled with CO2, the CO2 can be removed, or desorbed, by lowering the partial pressure of CO2, either by flushing with a different gas or putting it in a vacuum.

From Science Daily

In the letter, published on his website at the time, the Republican congressman warned that China would "take advantage of the resulting vacuum" if the UK handed over sovereignty of the islands.

From BBC

The term “vacuum energy” refers to the energy background that permeates the entire universe, within or outside of a vacuum.

From Salon

Related Words

• gap
• void