steam

noun

• the vapor into which water is converted when heated, forming a white mist of minute water droplets in the air.
• the invisible gaseous form of water, formed by boiling, from which vapor condenses.
• the expansive force of steam used as a source of power for machines:the equipment was originally powered by steam [as modifier]:a steam train
• locomotives and railroad systems powered by steam:the last years of steam
• energy and momentum or impetus:the anticorruption drive gathered steam

verb

• 1 [no object] give off or produce steam:a mug of coffee was steaming at her elbow
• (steam up or steam something up) become or cause to become covered or misted over with steam:the glass keeps steaming up [with object]:the warm air had begun to steam up the windows
• (often be/get steamed up) informal be or become extremely agitated or angry:you got all steamed up over nothing! after steaming behind the closed door in his office, he came out and screamed at her

• 2 [with object] cook (food) by heating it in steam from boiling water:steam the vegetables until just tender
• [no object] (of food) cook by being heated in steam from boiling water:add the mussels and leave them to steam
• clean or otherwise treat with steam:he steamed his shirts in the bathroom to remove the wrinkles
• [with object and complement or adverbial] apply steam to (something fixed with adhesive) so as to open or loosen it:he’d steamed the letter open and then resealed it
• operate (a steam locomotive).

• 3 [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of a ship or train) travel somewhere under steam power:the 11:54 steamed into the station
• informal come, go, or move somewhere rapidly or in a forceful way:Jerry steamed in ten minutes late figurativethe company has steamed ahead with its investment program
• [no object] (steam in) British informal start or join a fight.
• [no object] (often as noun steaming) British informal (of a gang of thieves) move rapidly through a public place, stealing things or robbing people on the way.