Definition of: steam

(stēm) noun
1. Water in the form of vapor.
2. The gas or vapor into which water is changed by boiling.
3. The visible mist into which aqueous vapor is condensed by cooling.
4. Any kind of vaporous exhalation.
5. Energy, force, or power derived from water vapor under pressure, as in cooking, heating, etc.
6. Colloq. Vigor; force; speed.
—to let off steam Colloq. To give expression to pent–up emotions or opinions.
—v.i.
1. To give off or emit steam or vapor.
2. To rise or pass off as steam.
3. To become covered with condensed water vapor: often with up.
4. To generate steam.
5. To move or travel by the agency of steam.
—v.t.
6. To treat with steam, as in softening, cooking, cleaning, etc.
—adjective
1. Of, driven, or operated by steam: a steam gage, steam shovel.
2. Containing or conveying steam: a steam boiler.
3. Treated by steam. [OE stēam]