[vac.u.um] n, pl vac.u.ums or vac.ua [L, fr. neut. of vacuus empty, fr. vacare to be empty] (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 ~ in Indochina after the departure of the French --Norman Cousins" b: a state of isolation from outside influences "people who live in a ~ ... so that the world outside them is of no moment --W. S. Maugham"
4: a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum; esp: vacuum cleaner
[2]vacuum adj (1825) 1: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum "separated by means of ~ distillation"
2: of or relating to a vacuum device or system [3]vacuum vt (1922): to use a vacuum device (as a vacuum cleaner) on ~ vi: to operate a vacuum device