Vacuum

Definition

Vacuum refers to a space devoid of matter, specifically a space from which most of the air has been removed, leading to a low pressure.

Parts of Speech

Noun
Verb

Pronunciation

American English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvækjuːm/
Respelling: VAK-yoom (with "VAK" rhyming with "back" and "yoom" similar to "room")

British English

IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvækjuːm/ or /ˈvækyʊm/
Respelling: VAK-yoom or VAK-yuhm (with "VAK" rhyming with "back" and "yoom/yuhm" similar to "room" or "hum" with a 'y' sound in front)

In American English, "vacuum" is typically pronounced with a clear "yoom" sound at the end. In British English, there can be variation: either similar to the American pronunciation or with a slightly shorter vowel sound in the second syllable, resulting in "yuhm." The first part of the word, "VAK," is consistent in both dialects.

Etymology

The word "vacuum" is derived from the Latin word "vacuus", which means "empty". It was used in English by the 1550s to describe the concept of "empty space".

Derivatives

Vacuole
Vacuous
Vacuuming
Vacuumed
Vacuity

Synonyms

Void
Emptiness
Vacancy

Antonyms

Fullness
Occupied
Presence

Usage

"Space is often referred to as a vacuum because of the absence of matter."
"She used a vacuum to clean the carpets."

Related Terms

Vacuum cleaner
Vacuum pump
Vacuum chamber
Vacuum tube
Vacuum seal

Detailed Definition

Noun

Space Void of Matter: A region or space that is devoid of matter, especially one from which air has been removed.
Example: A perfect vacuum is hard to achieve in a lab setting.

Cleaning Device: A machine that cleans, especially carpets and floors, by suction.
Example: The vacuum cleaner is broken; we need to get it repaired.

Verb

To Clean with a Vacuum Machine: To use a vacuum cleaner on something, especially floors or carpets.
Example: I vacuum the living room every weekend.

To Produce a Vacuum in (a space) or Cause a Space to Be Empty of Air:
Example: Before sealing the jar, they vacuumed out any remaining air to preserve the food.