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View synonyms for vacuum

vacuum

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

noun

plural

vacuums, vacua 
  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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner

    to vacuum a carpet

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

vacuum

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.

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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 Word Forms

  • nonvacuum adjective
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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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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They meticulously vacuum, and scrub the walls, windows, baseboards and floors, clearing every open surface and precious possession of reminders of the Eaton fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A slew of policy announcements during the conference has counteracted the accusation, levelled at Badenoch, that she had previously left a vacuum that Reform had filled.

Read more on BBC

However, it has led to criticism from some Conservatives that the leadership has been too slow at announcing policies and has created a vacuum which has been filled by Reform UK.

Read more on BBC

The Roomba vacuum, which Brooks’ company developed and markets, “looks like a flat disk. It cleans floors.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was only too happy to step into that "vacuum", gaining strength in the polls and grabbing headlines while the Tories were busy making other plans.

Read more on BBC

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vacuousvacuum activity