vacuum

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 space2 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 pressure3 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

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