steam

steam [stēm]

n.

[ME steme < OE steam, akin to Du stoom, WFris steam]

1. Obs. a vapor, fume, or exhalation

2.

a) water as converted into an invisible vapor or gas by being heated to the boiling point; vaporized water: it is used for heating, cooking, cleaning, and, under pressure, as a source of power

b) the power supplied by steam under pressure

c) Informal driving force; vigor; energy

3. condensed water vapor, seen as the mist condensed on windows or in the air above boiling water

adj.

1. using steam; heated, operated, propelled, etc. by steam

2. containing or conducting steam [a steam pipe]

3. treated with, or exposed to the action of, steam

vi.

1. to give off steam or a steamlike vapor, esp. condensed water vapor

2. to rise or be given off as steam

3. to become covered with condensed steam, as a window: usually with up

4. to generate steam

5. to move or travel by or as if by steam power

6. Informal to seethe with anger, vexation, etc.; fume

vt.

1. to treat with, or expose to the action of, steam; cook, soften, remove, open, etc. by using steam

2. to give off (vapor) or emit as steam

——————

let off steam or blow off steam

Informal to express strong feeling; release pent-up emotion

——————

steam up

Informal to make excited or angry