steam

[[t]stim[/t]]

n.

1) phs water in the form of an invisible gas or vapor

2) phs water changed to this form by boiling, extensively used for the generation of mechanical power, for heating purposes, etc

3) the mist formed when the gas or vapor from boiling water condenses in the air

4) an exhalation of a vapor or mist

5) inf power or energy

6) to emit or give off steam or vapor

7) to rise or pass off in the form of steam or vapor

8) to become covered with condensed steam, as a window or other surface (often fol. by up)

9) to generate or produce steam, as in a boiler

10) trs to move or travel by the agency of steam

11) to move rapidly or evenly:

He steamed out of the room[/ex]

12) inf to be angry or show anger

13) to expose to or treat with steam, as in order to heat, cook, soften, or renovate

14) to emit or exhale (vapor, mist, etc.)

15) cvb sts to cause to become irked or angry (often fol. by up)

16) trs to convey by the agency of steam:

to steam the ship safely into port[/ex]

17) employing or operated by steam:

a steam radiator[/ex]

18) conducting steam:

a steam line[/ex]

19) of or pertaining to steam

20) trs propelled by or propelling with a steam engine

•

- blow or let off steam

Etymology: bef. 1000; OE stēam, c. Frissteam, D stoom