Vacuum Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈvækʊəm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A region of space where the pressure is lower than the surrounding pressure, often created by a machine that removes air and impurities from a space, resulting in a state of very low air pressure.

Examples

• The vacuum cleaner was used to clean the carpets.
• The scientist created a vacuum chamber to test the properties of the particles.

Synonyms

• Void
• Space

Antonyms

• Pressure
• Atmosphere

Additional Information

vacuum is often used in industrial, scientific, and medical applications, including cleaning, pumping, and testing. It is also used in space exploration to create a vacuum environment for experiments and testing. In addition, vacuum pumps and gauges are used to measure the pressure and flow of gases and liquids.

The word “vacuum” has its roots in Latin, with the word “vacuus” meaning “empty” or “void”. This concept has been applied in various scientific and technical contexts, leading to the development of vacuum technology.

Etymology

The word “vacuum” comes from Latin “vacuus”, meaning “empty” or “void”. The concept of a region with zero pressure dates back to ancient Greek philosophers Aristotle and Euclid, who described it as a hypothetical state.

Usage Notes

In technical contexts, the term “vacuum” is used to describe a region of space with a pressure lower than the surrounding pressure. In everyday language, it is often used to describe a cleaning device or a state of emptiness.

Cultural References

• Vacuum has been featured in various science fiction films, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Interstellar”, where it is used to describe space environments or hypothetical scenarios.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “empty space” or “empty room” is often used to describe a vacuum environment or a state of emptiness.

Related Words or Phrases

• Pressure
• Atmosphere
• Space
• Void

Collocations

• Vacuum cleaner
• Vacuum pump
• Vacuum chamber

Frequency of Use

Vacuum is a commonly used term in technical and scientific contexts, with a frequency of use similar to other technical terms like “pressure” or “atmosphere”.

Common Misspellings

• Vacume
• Vacum