vapor Hear it!

vapor Definition

va·por (pər)

noun

    1. visible particles of moisture floating in the air, as fog, mist, or steam
    2. any cloudy or imperceptible exhalation, as smoke or noxious fumes
  1. the gaseous form of any substance which is usually a liquid or a solid
    1. any substance vaporized for use in machinery, medical therapy, etc.
    2. a mixture of such a vaporized substance with air, as the explosive mixture in an automotive cylinder
  2. Now Rare anything insubstantial or worthless
  3. Archaic
    1. exhalations from the stomach believed to be harmful to one's health
    2. hypochondria or depressed spirits: often with the

Etymology: ME vapour < Anglo-Fr < MFr vapeur < L vapor < IE base *wep-, to give off vapors

intransitive verb

  1. to rise or pass off in the form of vapor; evaporate
  2. to give off vapor
  3. to indulge in idle talk or boasting

transitive verb

vaporize

vapor Related Forms
va·porer noun va·por·like′ adjective
vapor Synonyms

vapor

n.

mist, steam, condensation, smog, exhalation, breath, fog, gas, haze, smoke.

vapor Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • produce: In the absorber a lithium bromide solution absorbs low-pressure refrigerant water vapor produced in the evaporator.
  • release: Plants may then release less water vapor to the ambient air.
  • contain: Dear Martin, I have just recently started work to understand and model acoustic attenuation in gas mixtures containing water vapor.

Preposition: in

  • atmosphere: But each molecule of water vapor in the atmosphere, containing two atoms of hydrogen, assures an adequate supply.
  • air: Also, water vapor in the air from the impact stays aloft for awhile.

Adjective modifier

  • green: There was no time to stop the presses before the main development of green vapor had overwhelmed every one.
  • more: Adding 2 g more water vapor ( for a total of 6 g ) would change the humidity to 60 % .
  • atmospheric: Higher atmospheric water vapor would be expected near cities on a continuing basis, as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels.

Modifies a noun

  • deposition: It was grown using a chemical vapor deposition process.
  • diffusion: However, we think the problem may be that each well is not being sealed separately which is impeding proper vapor diffusion.
  • trail: No sound was heard, no vapor trail was seen.
  • pressure: An optimum vapor pressure for the extraction yield was determined.
  • density: The variation of water vapor density with altitude suggests the water vapor may come from a localized source comparable to a geothermal hot spot.
  • phase: In dry etching, the material is sputtered or dissolved using reactive ions or a vapor phase etchant.

Noun used with modifier

  • mercury: Buy a mercury vapor light unit from Ace Hardware, Builder's.
  • sodium: This includes mercury, and both high and low pressure sodium vapor lights common in most city street lights.
  • moisture: Highly breathable to provide comfort in all activities; does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor.
  • water: Plants may then release less water vapor to the ambient air.
  • chemical: This can be done by hard facing, thermal spraying or chemical vapor deposition.
  • fuel: Fuel vapors are heavier than air; a spark at ground level could cause a fire.

Browse dictionary entries near vapor

  1. vapidity
  2. vapid
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  4. vanward
  5. Vanuatu
  6. Vanua Levu
  7. vantage point
  8. vantage
  9. vanquisher
  10. vanquish
  1. vapor lock
  2. vapor pressure
  3. vapor trail
  4. vaporetto
  5. vaporific
  6. vaporing
  7. vaporish
  8. vaporization
  9. vaporize
  10. vaporizer