Definition of steam
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a vapor arising from a heated substance
2a
: 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
3a
: water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work
also
: the power so generated
c
: pent-up emotional tension
needed to let off a little steam
4a
: steamer sense 2a
b
: travel by or a trip in a steamer
steam
verb
steamed; steaming; steams
Definition of steam (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to give out as fumes : exhale
2
: to apply steam to
especially
: to expose to the action of steam (as for softening or cooking)
1
: to rise or pass off as vapor
2
: to give off steam or vapor
3a
: to move or travel by the agency of steam
b
: to move or proceed with energy or force
4
: to be angry : boil
steaming over the insult
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
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Share steam
Time Traveler for steam
The first known use of steam was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century