vac·u·um (văk'yū-əm, -yūm, -yəm)
n., pl., -u·ums, or -u·a (-yū-ə).

1. 1. Absence of matter.
   2. A space empty of matter.
   3. A space relatively empty of matter.
   4. A space in which the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
2. A state of emptiness; a void.
3. A state of being sealed off from external or environmental influences; isolation.
4. pl., -uums. A vacuum cleaner.

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or used to create a vacuum.
2. Containing air or other gas at a reduced pressure.
3. Operating by means of suction or by maintaining a partial vacuum.

tr. & intr.v., -umed, -um·ing, -umes.
To clean with or use a vacuum cleaner.

[Latin, empty space, from neuter of vacuus, empty, from vacāre, to be empty.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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