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