Search results for 'steam':

steam noun 1 a the colourless gas formed by vaporizing water at 100°C, which becomes visible in air due to suspended water droplets, and which can be used as a source of power or energy, eg in steam engines; b any similar vapour, especially one that is produced when an aqueous liquid is heated. 2 colloq power, energy or speed • I haven't got the steam to climb any further. 3 as adj a powered by steam • a steam generator; b using steam • a steam iron; c humorous old-fashioned • a steam computer. verb (steamed, steaming) 1 intrans to give off steam. 2 to cook, etc using steam. 3 intrans to move under the power of steam. 4 intrans, colloq to go at speed • steamed up the road to catch the bus. steamed adj. be or get steamed up or all steamed up colloq to be very angry or excited. full steam ahead forward as fast as possible or with as much energy, enthusiasm, gusto, etc as possible. get up steam said of the boiler of a steam ship, locomotive, etc: to be in the process of heating up. let off steam to release bottled-up energy or emotions, eg anger. run out of steam to become depleted of energy, power, enthusiasm, etc. steam open to surreptitiously undo the seal of (a letter, especially one addressed to someone else) by directing steam at it. under one's own steam unassisted by anyone else.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon.