vacuum cleaner
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- an electrical home appliance that cleans by suctionSynonyms: vacuumvacuum cleaner
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Vacuum cleaner \Vac"u*um clean"er\ A machine for cleaning carpets, tapestry, upholstered work, etc., by suction; -- sometimes called a vacuum. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Appliance \Ap*pli"ance\, n.
1.The act of applying; application. [1913 Webster]
2.subservience; compliance. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3.A thing applied or used as a means to an end; an apparatus or device; as, to use various appliances; a mechanical appliance; a machine with its appliances. [1913 Webster]
4.Specifically: An apparatus or device, usually powered electrically, used in homes to perform domestic functions. An appliance is often categorized as a major appliance or a minor appliance by its cost. Common major appliances are the refrigerator, washing machine, clothes drier, oven, and dishwasher. Some minor appliances are a toaster, vacuum cleaner or microwave oven. [PJC]