vacuum

[/ˈvækjuəm/]

noun/verbmasculinepl: vacuums/vacua

vácuo

1. A space entirely devoid of matter

The experiment was conducted in a vacuum to eliminate air resistance.

O experimento foi realizado em um vácuo para eliminar a resistência do ar.

2. A space or gap left by the absence of something or someone

Her departure left a vacuum in the team that was hard to fill.

Sua partida deixou um vácuo na equipe que foi difícil preencher.

3. A vacuum cleaner

I need to use the vacuum on the carpets.

Preciso usar o aspirador nos tapetes.

4. To clean with a vacuum cleaner

She vacuumed the living room this morning.

Ela aspirou a sala de estar esta manhã.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

vácuo/aspirador

Both terms are commonly used; 'aspirador' is more colloquial for vacuum cleaner

Rio de Janeiro

aspirador de pó

More descriptive term for vacuum cleaner

São Paulo

vácuo/aspirador

Standard usage; 'aspirador' predominant for the appliance

Portugal

vácuo/aspirador

Portuguese prefers 'aspirador de pó' or simply 'aspirador'

vacuum of power - a situation where no one is in control

vacuum-pack - to seal in a airtight package

nature abhors a vacuum - a gap or absence tends to be filled quickly

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