noun
steam
steem
noun
1
The hot vapor that water turns into when it boils.
"Steam rose from the pot of boiling pasta."
"The kettle whistled as steam escaped from the spout."
2
Energy, momentum, or drive to keep going, especially in "run out of steam" or "pick up steam."
"The campaign lost steam after the initial excitement wore off."
verb
1
To cook food using steam.
"She steamed the broccoli instead of boiling it to keep more nutrients."
2
To become angry or worked up.
"He was steaming after losing the argument."
How to Use Steam
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe vapor from hot water, or figuratively, momentum and energy behind an effort.
Common pairings
run out of steam
pick up steam
let off steam
full steam ahead
Word Forms
steamed past tense, steams plural, steams singular
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_____ rose from the pot of boiling pasta.
Etymology
From Old English steam, "vapor, hot exhalation," from a Germanic root also connected to the Dutch stoom.