Definition of the word vacuum cleaner

The term "vacuum cleaner" originated in the late 1800s from the scientific concept of vacuum, which refers to a space without matter. The first vacuum cleaner, invented by British engineer James Dyson in 1860, used a pump to create a vacuum within a canister and then released it to pick up dirt and dust. This design was unreliable and impractical for widespread use, but it laid the groundwork for further advancements. In 1881, John S. Thurston, an American minister, invented a more efficient vacuum cleaner that used bellows to create suction. This design was named the "Puffing Billy," and it used a motorized brush roll to sweep up dirt and debris. However, it still required manual effort to operate, which limited its popularity. It was not until 1901 that Hubert Cecil Booth, an English engineer, created the first practical vacuum cleaner. Booth's design, known as the "Puffs," used a fan to create suction and a motorized brush roll to sweep up dirt. Booth's vacuum cleaner proved popular not only for its effectiveness but also for its convenience, as it eliminated the need for manual sweeping and dustpans. In sum, the term "vacuum cleaner" originated from the scientific concept of vacuum, but its practical application in household cleaning resulted in the invention of the first practical vacuum cleaner by Hubert Cecil Booth in 1901.