Noun Careful, the steam from the pot is hot. The boat runs on steam. He wiped the steam from the mirrors. He was afraid he would run out of steam before the end of the race. I was making good progress this morning, but now I'm starting to run out of steam. Verb a steaming bowl of soup She prefers to steam carrots rather than boil them. Their breath steamed the windows. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Indeed, two studies, one in 2019 at Stockholm University, and one earlier this year at Stanford University, claimed that, beyond the obvious catastrophic impacts, a warmer planet means long-range forecasting loses some steam. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 16 Sep. 2022 Venture to the town of Chama to cross the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass on North America’s highest steam railroad — an accessible way to view pristine backcountry landscapes.Outside Online, 15 Sep. 2022 This all-in-1 multi-cooker can knead, steam, boil, and sauté. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 15 Sep. 2022 Labels that are mega hot can lose steam even after riding an explosive multi-year wave, and equally, return to popularity (see Gucci under Tom Ford to Frida Giannini to Alessandro Michele). Tiffany Ap, Quartz, 15 Sep. 2022 Little empirical evidence exists yet to show whether schools with four-day weeks are doing better retaining staff, but the trend is gathering steam nationwide as districts seek an edge in the competition for teachers, according to Dr. Thompson. Ben Chapman, WSJ, 15 Sep. 2022 Unfortunately, that kind of excitement rarely translates to the telecast, which moves under its own steam of imperfect scripting interrupted by moments of hope. Mary Mcnamara, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 While the population is forced to abide by strict laws, those in charge are allowed to let off some steam without facing any consequences. Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Sep. 2022 In thermal desalination or distillation, water is boiled or evaporated into steam that is later condensed back into water in another location, a process that leaves behind the salt and other contaminants. Ian Mount, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2022
Verb
The new series will steam exclusively on Peacock and feature the talents of Bill Nye, Joanna Mandap, Isabella Astbury and Willow Astbury.al, 24 Aug. 2022 Clean your furniture and upholstery with ease, pull stains from carpet, steam the grime off of shower and floor tiles, or get caked-on gunk off of stove burners. Annie Burdick, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 In the eastern end of the building is the laundry, containing an electric centrifugal wringer and steam drying room, with a capacity for drying 500 suits an hour.San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2022 Just like a tea kettle, the water inside comes to a boil and pumps steam out through the vent holes. Sarah Bogdan, Good Housekeeping, 9 May 2022 The nearby Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar started out in 1951, using beer to steam shrimp delivered to nearby docks. Tony Perrottet, WSJ, 15 Aug. 2022 Newer settings range from air fry to convection to steam cook. Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping, 26 July 2022 Remove from the heat and set aside to steam the rice until soft, about 10 minutes.Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2021 Still, outside organizations continue to steam ahead, building a greater consensus between the broader community and schools to bolster student well-being and self-esteem. Rod Berger, Forbes, 11 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English stem, from Old English stēam; akin to Dutch stoom steam
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1