VACUUM


Meaning of VACUUM in English

I. ˈva-(ˌ)kyüm, -kyəm also -kyü-əm noun

( 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

II. adjective

Date: 1825

1. : of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum

separated by means of vacuum distillation

2. : of or relating to a vacuum device or system

III. verb

Date: 1922

transitive verb

1. : to use a vacuum device (as a vacuum cleaner) on

vacuum the living room

2. : to draw or take in by or as if by suction

intransitive verb

: to operate a vacuum device

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.