Vacuum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งน
vacuum
[หvรฆkjuษm ]
Definitions
cleaning device
A vacuum is a machine that sucks up dust and dirt from floors, carpets, and other surfaces.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vacuum |
This word is typically used when describing the machine specifically designed for cleaning floors by sucking up dirt and dust. It's a general term that is more formal.
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| hoover |
Commonly used in British English as a casual term for a vacuum cleaner. It originated from the brand name Hoover and can sometimes be used as a verb, meaning to vacuum.
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| cleaner |
This can refer to various types of cleaning agents or appliances, not just vacuum cleaners. It's broader and can include people who clean for a living.
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Examples of usage
- She used a vacuum to clean the living room.
- I need to buy a new vacuum for the house.
physics
In physics, a vacuum is a space entirely devoid of matter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vacuum |
Used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a space devoid of matter, including air.
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| void |
Can be used in both technical and emotional contexts. It often has a more dramatic or intense connotation, and can be used to describe a large, empty space or a profound sense of loss or absence.
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| emptiness |
Used in emotional or descriptive contexts to convey a feeling or state of being empty or lacking substance.
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Examples of usage
- The vacuum of space is a harsh environment.
- Scientists study the properties of a vacuum in experiments.
cleaning action
To vacuum means to clean using a vacuum cleaner.
Synonyms
clean, suck up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vacuum |
Referring to a device that is used for cleaning floors or carpets by using suction. This word is used to name the appliance itself.
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| clean |
When discussing general cleaning activities, not necessarily requiring a machine. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, like cleaning objects, surfaces, or places.
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| suck up |
Often used informally or negatively, implying the removal of dirt, dust, or debris by sucking, usually with a vacuum cleaner. It can sometimes have a less formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- I need to vacuum the carpets before the guests arrive.
- She vacuumed the entire house yesterday.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, a vacuum is defined as a space with less pressure than the surrounding atmosphere.
- Outer space is often referred to as a near-perfect vacuum due to its extremely low density.
- Experiments in vacuums help scientists study the behavior of particles without interference from air molecules.
Technology
- The first electric vacuum cleaner was patented in 1901, revolutionizing household cleaning.
- Vacuum technology is essential in various fields, including semiconductor manufacturing and space exploration.
- Innovations like robotic vacuums have made cleaning more convenient and efficient for households.
Philosophy
- The concept of a vacuum has sparked philosophical debates on the nature of existence and nothingness.
- Some argue that a true vacuum cannot exist since it implies the absence of everything, including space itself.
- Rene Descartes and other philosophers discussed the implications of voids and empty spaces in their works.
Pop Culture
- In the animated series 'Futurama,' a scene depicts characters experiencing a vacuum in space comedically.
- Vacuum-related jokes and puns often appear in cartoons and comedies, playing on the emptiness theme.
- The phrase 'you could hear a pin drop in that vacuum' is used to describe silence or emptiness in a room.
Origin of 'vacuum'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'vacuus,' meaning 'empty' or 'void.'
- It began to be used in the 17th century to describe spaces devoid of matter.
- The term 'vacuum' was also used in early scientific discussions about pressure and gases.
The word 'vacuum' comes from the Latin term 'vacuus', meaning 'empty' or 'void'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe an empty space or a cleaning device. The concept of a vacuum in physics was developed in the 17th century by scientists like Galileo and Torricelli. Today, the word is commonly used in everyday language to refer to both cleaning devices and the absence of matter in a space.