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in a vacuum

idiom

Definition of in a vacuum

: separated from outside events or influences
  • The group was operating in a vacuum, cut off from the rest of the world.
  • The city's riots did not happen in a vacuum. They were caused by recent political events.

Word by Word Definitions

vacuum play

  1. : emptiness of space

  2. : a space absolutely devoid of matter

  3. : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (such as an air pump)

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

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

  3. : to operate a vacuum device

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

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

See the full definition of vacuum

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