DUSTBAG Meaning and
Definition
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A dustbag refers to a small bag or pouch made of fabric, often designed to be attached to a vacuum cleaner to collect dust and dirt that is sucked up during the cleaning process. It serves as a container to keep the debris from escaping the vacuum cleaner and spreading back into the air.
Typically made from a breathable material, such as cotton or synthetic fabric, the primary purpose of a dustbag is to trap the dust particles while allowing air to pass through. It acts as a filter, capturing the finer particles and preventing them from re-entering the surrounding environment during the cleaning operation. These bags are usually disposable and can be easily replaced once full.
Dustbags offer a convenient and hygienic solution for maintaining cleanliness in homes, offices, or any indoor spaces. They help to safeguard indoor air quality by keeping fine dust and allergens contained within the bag rather than releasing them into the vicinity. Dustbags are particularly common and indispensable in bagged vacuum cleaner models, where the bag serves as the primary containment system for collected debris.
In a figurative sense, the term "dustbag" can also be used to describe a person who collects or harbors useless or trivial things, often acquiring them in an excessive or obsessive manner. This metaphorical usage implies a tendency to hoard or accumulate items without value or purpose.
Etymology of DUSTBAG
The word "dustbag" originated from combining the terms "dust" and "bag".
"Dust" can be traced back to the Old English word "dust", meaning fine, dry particles of earth or other matter. It has cognates in many Germanic languages. The origin of this word is uncertain, but it may be related to the Old Norse word "dunstr", meaning a mist or haze.
The word "bag" is derived from the Old Norse "baggi" and Old English "bæg", both of which meant a bag or sack. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bagjaz" or "bagjom", which had a similar meaning.
Therefore, "dustbag" combines these two words to refer to a bag or sack used for collecting or containing dust particles.
