steam (stēm)
n.

1. 1. The vapor phase of water.
   2. A mist of cooling water vapor.
2. 1. Pressurized water vapor used for heating, cooking, or to provide mechanical power.
   2. The power produced by a machine using pressurized water vapor.
   3. Steam heating.
3. Power; energy.

v., steamed, steam·ing, steams.

v.intr.

1. To produce or emit steam.
2. To become or rise up as steam.
3. To become misted or covered with steam.
4. To move by means of steam power.
5. Informal. To become very angry; fume.

v.tr.
To expose to steam, as in cooking.

[Middle English steme, from Old English stēam.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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