Main Entry: 1vac·u·um
Pronunciation: \ˈva-(ˌ)kyüm, -kyəm also -kyü-əm\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural vac·u·ums or vac·ua \-kyə-wə\
Etymology: Latin, from neuter of vacuus empty, from vacare to be empty
Date: 1550
1 : emptiness of space
2 a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
3 a : a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void {the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French — Norman Cousins} b : a state of isolation from outside influences {people who live in a vacuum…so that the world outside them is of no moment — W. S. Maugham}
4 : a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum; especially : vacuum cleaner
2 a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure
3 a : a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void {the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French — Norman Cousins} b : a state of isolation from outside influences {people who live in a vacuum…so that the world outside them is of no moment — W. S. Maugham}
4 : a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum; especially : vacuum cleaner
