vacuum

¹vac·u·um

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

plural vac·u·ums or vac·ua\-kyə-wə\

Definition of VACUUM

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

Examples of VACUUM

1. the vacuum of outer space
2. A pump was used to create a vacuum inside the bottle.

Origin of VACUUM

Latin, from neuter of vacuus empty, from vacare to be empty

First Known Use: 1550

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum