steam

¹steam

noun \ˈstēm\

Definition of STEAM

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

Examples of STEAM

1. Careful, the steam from the pot is hot.
2. The boat runs on steam.
3. He wiped the steam from the mirrors.
4. He was afraid he would run out of steam before the end of the race.
5. I was making good progress this morning, but now I'm starting to run out of steam.

Origin of STEAM

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with STEAM

beam, bream, cream, deem, deme, dream, gleam, meme, neem, Nîmes, ream, scheme, scream, seam, seem, seme, stream, team, teem, theme