Steam Meaning and Definition
Steam
Pronunciation
/stiːm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of vapor or mist that is produced by the rapid heating of water or other liquids, often used for cleaning, disinfecting, or relaxation purposes.
Examples
- She took a hot shower to relax and enjoyed the soothing effects of the steam.
- The medical professional used steam to disinfect the surgical equipment.
Synonyms
- Vapor
- Mist
- Fog
Antonyms
- Precipitation
- Rain
Etymology
The word “Steam” has its origins in the 14th century, derived from the Old English word “stėam”, meaning “fume” or “vapor”.
Usage Notes
Steam is often used to describe a situation where something is happening quickly or intensely, such as “the news spread like steam”.
Cultural References
Steam has appeared in various forms of media, including literature (e.g. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde), music (e.g. “Steam” by Peter Gabriel), and film (e.g. “The Prestige” directed by Christopher Nolan).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“In steam” is an idiomatic phrase used to describe something that is moving quickly or intensely, such as “the company is in steam with its latest product launch”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Steam engine
- Steam power
- Steam train
Collocations
- Steam room
- Steam shower
- Steam cleaning
Frequency of Use
Steam is a relatively common word in modern language, especially in contexts related to personal care, cleaning, and industrial processes.
Common Misspellings
- Steme
- Stim
- Steem