Definition of Vacum
Vac"u*um (?), n.; pl. E.
Vacuums (#), L. Vacua (#). [L., fr.
vacuus empty. See Vacuous.] 1.
(Physics) A space entirely devoid of matter (called also, by
way of distinction, absolute vacuum); hence, in a more general
sense, a space, as the interior of a closed vessel, which has been
exhausted to a high or the highest degree by an air pump or other
artificial means; as, water boils at a reduced temperature in a
vacuum.
2. The condition of rarefaction, or reduction of
pressure below that of the atmosphere, in a vessel, as the condenser of a
steam engine, which is nearly exhausted of air or steam, etc.; as, a
vacuum of 26 inches of mercury, or 13 pounds per square
inch.
Vacuum brake, a kind of continuous brake operated
by exhausting the air from some appliance under each car, and so causing
the pressure of the atmosphere to apply the brakes. -- Vacuum
pan (Technol.), a kind of large closed metallic retort
used in sugar making for boiling down sirup. It is so connected with an
exhausting apparatus that a partial vacuum is formed within. This allows
the evaporation and concentration to take place at a lower atmospheric
pressure and hence also at a lower temperature, which largely obviates the
danger of burning the sugar, and shortens the process. --
Vacuum pump. Same as Pulsometer, 1. --
Vacuum tube (Phys.), a glass tube provided
with platinum electrodes and exhausted, for the passage of the electrical
discharge; a Geissler tube. -- Vacuum valve, a
safety valve opening inward to admit air to a vessel in which the pressure
is less than that of the atmosphere, in order to prevent collapse. --
Torricellian vacuum. See under
Torricellian.
Vac"u*um (?), n.; pl. E.
Vacuums (#), L. Vacua (#). [L., fr.
vacuus empty. See Vacuous.] 1.
(Physics) A space entirely devoid of matter (called also, by
way of distinction, absolute vacuum); hence, in a more general
sense, a space, as the interior of a closed vessel, which has been
exhausted to a high or the highest degree by an air pump or other
artificial means; as, water boils at a reduced temperature in a
vacuum.
2. The condition of rarefaction, or reduction of
pressure below that of the atmosphere, in a vessel, as the condenser of a
steam engine, which is nearly exhausted of air or steam, etc.; as, a
vacuum of 26 inches of mercury, or 13 pounds per square
inch.
Vacuum brake, a kind of continuous brake operated
by exhausting the air from some appliance under each car, and so causing
the pressure of the atmosphere to apply the brakes. -- Vacuum
pan (Technol.), a kind of large closed metallic retort
used in sugar making for boiling down sirup. It is so connected with an
exhausting apparatus that a partial vacuum is formed within. This allows
the evaporation and concentration to take place at a lower atmospheric
pressure and hence also at a lower temperature, which largely obviates the
danger of burning the sugar, and shortens the process. --
Vacuum pump. Same as Pulsometer, 1. --
Vacuum tube (Phys.), a glass tube provided
with platinum electrodes and exhausted, for the passage of the electrical
discharge; a Geissler tube. -- Vacuum valve, a
safety valve opening inward to admit air to a vessel in which the pressure
is less than that of the atmosphere, in order to prevent collapse. --
Torricellian vacuum. See under
Torricellian.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
- A region of space that lacks matter.
- A suction device, especially a vacuum cleaner.
- Producing, containing, or using a vacuum. (vacuum cleaner, vacuum pump)
- To clean with a vacuum cleaner. (transitive or intransitive)
French
- See: vacuum
vacuum - The Nuttall Encyclopedia
You arrived at this page by searching for Vacum
The correct Spelling of this word is: Vacuum
Thank you for visiting FreeFactFinder. On our home page you will find extensive articles covering
a wide range of topics.
|
