vacua
[ vak-yoo-uh ]
/ ˈvæk yu ə /
noun
a plural of vacuum.
Words nearby vacua
Definition for vacua (2 of 2)
Origin of vacuum
1540–50; < Latin, neuter of
vacuus empty
OTHER WORDS FROM vacuum
non·vac·u·um, adjective, noun, plural non·vac·u·ums, non·vac·u·a.Example sentences from the Web for vacua
Not even Sir William Crookes's vacua can give an idea of the rarefaction which this fact implies.
A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century |Agnes M. (Agnes Mary) Clerke
British Dictionary definitions for vacua (1 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for vacua (2 of 2)
vacuum
/ (ˈvækjʊəm) /
noun plural vacuums or vacua (ˈvækjʊə)
verb
to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner
to vacuum a carpet
Word Origin for vacuum
C16: from Latin: an empty space, from
vacuus empty
Medical definitions for vacua
vacuum
[ văk′yōō-əm, -yōōm, -yəm ]
n. pl. vac•u•ums
Absence of matter.
A space empty of matter.
A space relatively empty of matter.
A space in which the pressure is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure.
Scientific definitions for vacua
vacuum
[ văk′yōōm ]
Plural vacuums vacuua
A region of space in which there is no matter.
A region of space having extremely low gas pressure relative to surrounding pressure. The air pump of a vacuum cleaner, for example, drastically reduces the air pressure inside the device, creating a vacuum; the pressure difference causes air to rush into it, carrying dust and debris along with it.
Cultural definitions for vacua
notes for vacuum
In the natural world, air will flow into regions of vacuum, giving rise to the saying “Nature abhors a vacuum.”
notes for vacuum
The saying is extended informally: in politics, a lack of leadership may be referred to as a vacuum, which will presumably be filled by others rushing in.