vacuum-pack
VAK-yoom-pak
/ˈvækjuːmˌpæk/
To seal food in packaging after removing all air, or a package sealed in this manner.
A specific type of atmospheric control where the primary goal is the complete removal of air (and thus oxygen) to inhibit aerobic spoilage.
The story behind the word. The concept of a vacuum (an empty space) was fiercely debated by ancient philosophers, but in the 19th century, industrial pumps made vacuums practical. By the mid-20th century, flexible plastics allowed manufacturers to draw air out of food containers, collapsing the plastic tightly around the food to create the first vacuum-packs.
Word relationships
- vacuum-seal: Vacuum-seal is often used interchangeably, though 'vacuum-pack' can refer to the entire commercial packaging system, while 'vacuum-seal' focuses on the closing mechanism.
Commonly confused with
- shrink-wrap: Shrink-wrap uses heat to tighten plastic tightly around a product, but does not necessarily remove the air from inside the package like vacuum-packing does.
Word family
- vacuum-packing (noun): The process of sealing food in a vacuum.
Collocations
- vacuum-pack machine
- vacuum-packed coffee
- vacuum-pack sealer
- vacuum-packed meat
Example sentences
- "It is best to vacuum-pack the meat before freezing it to prevent freezer burn and extend its storage life." Home economics guide
Memory hook
Think of a 'Vacuum cleaner' sucking all the air out of a 'Pack' of food until it shrinks tight. Suck out the air, seal it tight; vacuum-pack does it right.
When not to use
Do not use when gas is added back into the package (that would be modified-atmosphere packaging).
Fun facts
- Vacuum-packing coffee not only preserves its flavor but also compresses the package, saving valuable space during shipping and storage.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.