Vacuum

/ˈvæk.juːm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A space entirely devoid of matter.

Space is often described as a perfect vacuum, where no air or matter exists.

A state of emptiness or void.

After cleaning out the closet, I was left with a vacuum of unused space.

A device used for cleaning floors and other surfaces by suction.

She bought a new vacuum to make cleaning the carpets easier.

verb

To remove air or gas from a container.

They had to vacuum-pack the food to keep it fresh during shipping.

To clean using a vacuum cleaner.

He vacuums the living room every Saturday morning.

Latin 'vacuum' meaning 'empty space' or 'void'

vacuum cleaner

An electric appliance used for cleaning floors and other surfaces by suction.

to vacuum

To clean with a vacuum cleaner.

vacuum of power

A situation where there is no leadership or authority.

suction

The process of drawing something towards oneself using negative pressure.

depression

A state where pressure is lower than the surrounding area, often related to vacuums.

void

An empty space.

To vacuum

I'm going to vacuum the living room.

The vacuum of a situation

There's a vacuum in the conversation; no one knows what to say.