Spaces devoid of matter, or cleaning devices that use suction to remove dirt and debris. The plural of vacuum, referring to either physical voids or household appliances.
From Latin vacuum meaning 'empty space,' neuter of vacuus (empty). The household appliance sense developed in the early 1900s with electric cleaning devices. The scientific concept dates to ancient Greek philosophical discussions of 'void.'
Nature truly does 'abhor a vacuum' - empty space creates pressure differences that drive everything from breathing to weather systems. The Hoover company became so synonymous with vacuum cleaners that 'hoovering' became a verb in British English, though the company actually lost the patent race to other inventors.
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