Vacuum

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈvækjuÉ™m/ or IPA: /ˈvækjuːm/

Alternative forms

• vacuüm rare

Origin

From Latin vacuum ("an empty space, void"), noun use of neuter of vacuus ("empty"), related to vacare ("be empty")

Noun

1. A region of space that contains no matter.
2. A vacuum cleaner.
3. The condition of rarefaction, or reduction of pressure below that of the atmosphere, in a vessel, such as the condenser of a steam engine, which is nearly exhausted of air or steam, etc.a vacuum of 26 inches of mercury, or 13 pounds per square inch

Usage notes

In the sense of "a region of space that contains no matter", the plural of vacuum is either vacua or vacuums. In the sense of a "vacuum cleaner" vacuums is the only plural.

The Latin in vacuo is sometimes used instead of in a vacuum (in free space).

Synonyms

• (vacuum cleaner) hoover (British)

Antonyms

• (region of space that contains no matter) plenum

Derived terms

• power vacuum
• vacuum brake
• vacuum cleaner
• vacuum pan
• vacuum valve

Full definition of vacuum

Verb

1. (transitive) To clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner.
2. (intransitive) To use a vacuum cleaner.

Synonyms

• (transitive sense) to hoover British
• (intransitive sense) to do the hoovering, to hoover British