Webster's English Dictionary

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vacuum

1. vac.u.um \'vak-y*(-w*)m, -(.)yu:m\ n or vac.u.ums or vac.ua [L, fr. 
   neut. of vacuus empty; akin to L vacare to be empty] pl  1: emptiness of 
   space  2a: a space absolutely devoid of matter  2b: a space partially 
   exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by arti ficial means (as an 
   air pump) 2c: a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure : negative 
   pressur e 3a: a a vacant space : VOID  3b: a state of isolation from 
   outside influences  4: a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum 
2. vacuum aj 1: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum  
   2: of or relating to a vacuum device or system 
3. vacuum vt : to use a vacuum device (as a cleaner) upon