n.
Pronunciation: ' va-( ˌ )kyüm, -ky ə m also -kyü- ə m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural vac · u · ums or vac · ua \ -ky ə -w ə \
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