vac|u|um

vac|u|um «VAK yum, VAK yu uhm», noun, plural vac|u|ums or (except for definite 6) vac|u|a, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. an empty space without even air in it.

2. an enclosed space from which almost all the air or other gas has been removed, especially to permit experimentation without atmospheric distortion.

3. an empty space; void: »

Figurative. Her husband's death left a vacuum in her life.

4. the condition or amount of loss in atmospheric pressure within a space.

5. a) emptiness. b) Figurative. something that needs filling; hiatus; gap: »

a political vacuum.

c) Figurative. a condition of seclusion or apartness from others: »

to live in a vacuum.

6. = vacuum cleaner. (Cf. ↑vacuum cleaner)

–adj.

1. of or having to do with a vacuum: »

a vacuum gauge.

2. producing a vacuum: »

a vacuum fan.

3. using a vacuum: »

vacuum canning.

4. entirely or partially exhausted of air (or other gas): »

a vacuum tube.

5. using suction: »

vacuum ventilation.

6. using gas pressures that are lower than atmospheric pressure, as in various processes.

–v.t.

1. to clean with a vacuum cleaner: »

Mother vacuums the rugs on Thursday.

2. to use any vacuum device on.

–v.i.

to use a vacuum cleaner: »

She is a tidy housekeeper who contends that “nothing can clear the mind like vacuuming” (Time).

╂[< Latin vacuum, neuter of vacuus empty]