Main Entry: ¹steam

Pronunciation: \ˈstēm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English stem, from Old English stēam; akin to Dutch stoom steam

Date: before 12th century

1 : a vapor arising from a heated substance
2 a : the invisible vapor into which water is converted when heated to the boiling point b : the mist formed by the condensation on cooling of water vapor
3 a : water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work; also : the power so generated b : active force : power, momentum <got there under his own steam> <sales began to pick up steam>; also : normal force <at full steam> c : pent-up emotional tension <needed to let off a little steam>
4 a : steamer 2a b : travel by or a trip in a steamer