Main Entry: ¹vac·u·um

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

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): 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