A space entirely devoid of matter; also a cleaning appliance that uses suction to remove dirt.
From Latin 'vacuum' meaning 'empty space, void', from 'vacuus' meaning 'empty'. First used in physics in the 17th century, then applied to cleaning devices in the early 20th century when mechanical suction cleaners were invented.
The word vacuum embodies one of physics' most profound concepts - absolute nothingness - yet most people encounter it daily as a household cleaning device. This linguistic journey from cosmic void to carpet cleaner shows how scientific concepts become domesticated through technology.
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