Definition of vacuum

< vacuous

vacuum aspiration >

vac·u·um    (vky-m, -ym, -ym) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. vac·u·ums or vac·u·a  (-y-) KEY 

1. 1. Absence of matter.
   2. A space empty of matter.
   3. A space relatively empty of matter.
   4. A space in which the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
2. A state of emptiness; a void.
3. A state of being sealed off from external or environmental influences; isolation.
4. pl. vac·uums A vacuum cleaner.

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or used to create a vacuum.
2. Containing air or other gas at a reduced pressure.
3. 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.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin, empty space, from neuter of vacuus, empty, from vacre, to be empty; see eu- in Indo-European roots