vaporous

adjective

va·​por·​ous ˈvā-p(ə-)rəs 

1

: consisting or characteristic of vapor

2

: producing vapors : volatile

3

: containing or obscured by vapors : misty

4

a

: ethereal, unsubstantial

b

: consisting of or indulging in vaporings

vaporously adverb

vaporousness noun

Examples of vaporous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scorch could certainly be felt, but the frequently moist and vaporous sense of objectionable sultriness, that seemed largely absent. —Martin Weil, Washington Post, 7 July 2024

Over twinkling beats and vaporous grooves, Aiko was astral and organic, graceful and sensuous. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 20 June 2024

Turner hadn’t been to Italy for a decade, but in his vaporous painting, Rome remains the Eternal City, now transformed into a hauntingly beautiful memory. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

The golden juice drips down into a tray lined with dry ice, producing vaporous swirls and tendrils. —Patricia Cohen Violette Franchi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vaporōsus "full of steam," from vapor "steam, vapor entry 1" + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined at sense 1