B2noun1K

Steam

UK /["/stiːm/"]/US /["/stiːm/"]/

Definition

the hot gas that water changes into when it boils

In simple words: Water vapor that comes from boiling water.

Examples

  • The steam rising from the hot cup of tea fogged up the window.
  • Steam power was a driving force during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Be careful around the kettle; the steam can burn your hand.
  • The factory uses steam to operate its machines efficiently.
  • You can cook vegetables quickly by using steam instead of boiling water.
  • After the workout, a steam room helped him relax his muscles.
  • In computer gaming, he purchased the latest game from the platform called Steam.
  • She has been a regular player on Steam for years, enjoying online multiplayer games.

Usage notes

Used in cooking or describing a process where water heats and turns to vapor. Not suitable for informal conversations unless describing specific activities like cooking.

Grammar pattern

steam + object

Memory hint

Think of a hot cup of tea steaming up your glasses.

Collocations

  • hot
  • cloud
  • jet
  • generate
  • produce
  • come
  • escape
  • rise
  • power
  • engine
  • locomotive
  • the age of steam
  • hot
  • cloud
  • jet
  • generate
  • produce
  • come
  • escape
  • rise
  • power
  • engine
  • locomotive
  • the age of steam

Synonyms

  • condensation

Antonyms

  • freeze
  • solidify

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'steam' as in 'to be annoyed'.
  • Using 'steam' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Mispronouncing or misspelling the word.