steam

Steam is a vapor, particularly water heated to the boiling point and then converted to a vapor or gas.

(noun)

An example of steam is vapor coming out of a hot pot of soup.

The definition of steam is using water vapor.

(adjective)

An example of steam used as an adjective is in the phrase "steam engine," which means an engine that runs on water vapor.

Steam is defined as to give off a vapor or to expose to a vapor.

(verb)

An example of to steam is to cook broccoli in a covered pot with a little water.

See steam in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete a vapor, fume, or exhalation
1. 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
2. the power supplied by steam under pressure
3. Informal driving force; vigor; energy
condensed water vapor, seen as the mist condensed on windows or in the air above boiling water

Origin: ME steme < OE steam, akin to Du stoom, WFris steam

adjective

intransitive verb

to give off steam or a steamlike vapor, esp. condensed water vapor
to rise or be given off as steam
to become covered with condensed steam: usually with up: when the hot bath was drawn, the bathroom mirror steamed up
to generate steam
to move or travel by or as if by steam power
Informal to seethe with anger, vexation, etc.; fume

transitive verb

to treat with, or expose to the action of, steam; cook, soften, remove, open, etc. by using steam
to give off (vapor) or emit as steam

See steam in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The vapor phase of water.
b. A mist of cooling water vapor.
a. Pressurized water vapor used for heating, cooking, or to provide mechanical power.
b. The power produced by a machine using pressurized water vapor.
c. Steam heating.
Power; energy.