steam
♦ steam /st'iːm/ (steams steaming steamed)
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Steam is the hot mist that forms when water boils. Steam vehicles and machines are operated using steam as a means of power.
In an electric power plant the heat converts water into high-pressure steam.
...the invention of the steam engine.
2 [VERB] V, V-ing
If something steams, it gives off steam.
...restaurants where coffee pots steamed on their burners.
...a basket of steaming bread rolls.
3 [VERB] V n, V, V-ed
If you steam food or if it steams, you cook it in steam rather than in water.
Steam the carrots until they are just beginning to be tender...
Leave the vegetables to steam over the rice for the 20 minutes cooking time.
...steamed clams and broiled chicken.
4 [PHRASE] v PHR
If something such as a plan or a project goes full steam ahead, it progresses quickly.
The Government was determined to go full steam ahead with its privatisation programme...
5 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you let off steam, you get rid of your energy, anger, or strong emotions with physical activity or by behaving in a noisy or violent way. (INFORMAL)
Regular exercise helps to combat unwanted stress and is a good way of relaxing or letting off steam.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you run out of steam, you stop doing something because you have no more energy or enthusiasm left. (INFORMAL)
I decided to paint the bathroom ceiling but ran out of steam halfway through.steam ahead
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an economy or company steams ahead, it becomes stronger and more successful.
The latest figures show industrial production steaming ahead at an 8.8 per cent annual rate.steam iron (steam irons)
[N-COUNT]
A steam iron is an electric iron that produces steam from water that you put into it. The steam makes it easier to get the creases out of your clothes.steam up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] get V-ed P about n
If someone gets steamed up about something, they are very annoyed about it.
The general manager may have got steamed up about nothing...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a window, mirror, or pair of glasses steams up, it becomes covered with steam or mist.
...the irritation of living with lenses that steam up when you come in from the cold.
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Steam is the hot mist that forms when water boils. Steam vehicles and machines are operated using steam as a means of power.
In an electric power plant the heat converts water into high-pressure steam.
...the invention of the steam engine.
2 [VERB] V, V-ing
If something steams, it gives off steam.
...restaurants where coffee pots steamed on their burners.
...a basket of steaming bread rolls.
3 [VERB] V n, V, V-ed
If you steam food or if it steams, you cook it in steam rather than in water.
Steam the carrots until they are just beginning to be tender...
Leave the vegetables to steam over the rice for the 20 minutes cooking time.
...steamed clams and broiled chicken.
4 [PHRASE] v PHR
If something such as a plan or a project goes full steam ahead, it progresses quickly.
The Government was determined to go full steam ahead with its privatisation programme...
5 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you let off steam, you get rid of your energy, anger, or strong emotions with physical activity or by behaving in a noisy or violent way. (INFORMAL)
Regular exercise helps to combat unwanted stress and is a good way of relaxing or letting off steam.
6 [PHRASE] V inflects
If you run out of steam, you stop doing something because you have no more energy or enthusiasm left. (INFORMAL)
I decided to paint the bathroom ceiling but ran out of steam halfway through.steam ahead
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an economy or company steams ahead, it becomes stronger and more successful.
The latest figures show industrial production steaming ahead at an 8.8 per cent annual rate.steam iron (steam irons)
[N-COUNT]
A steam iron is an electric iron that produces steam from water that you put into it. The steam makes it easier to get the creases out of your clothes.steam up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] get V-ed P about n
If someone gets steamed up about something, they are very annoyed about it.
The general manager may have got steamed up about nothing...
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a window, mirror, or pair of glasses steams up, it becomes covered with steam or mist.
...the irritation of living with lenses that steam up when you come in from the cold.