steam

Universal Words noun, verb noun [U] 1 the hot gas that water changes into when it boils: Steam rose from the boiling kettle. * a Turkish steam bath 2 the power that is produced from steam under pressure, used to operate engines, machines, etc: the introduction of steam in the 18th century * steam power * the steam age * a steam train / engine 3 very small drops of water that form in the air or on cold surfaces when warm air suddenly cools: She wiped the steam from her glasses. IDIOMS full speed / steam ahead with as much speed or energy as possible get up / pick up steam 1 (informal) to become gradually more powerful, active, etc: His election campaign is beginning to get up steam. 2 (of a vehicle) to increase speed gradually let off steam (informal) to get rid of your energy, anger or strong emotions by doing sth active or noisy: I went for a long walk to let off steam. run out of steam (informal) to lose energy and enthusiasm and stop doing sth, or do it less well get, etc. somewhere under your own steam (BrE, informal) to go somewhere without help from other people: I'll get to the party under my own steam. verb 1 [V] to send out steam: Our damp clothes steamed in the heat. * a mug of steaming hot coffee 2 to place food over boiling water so that it cooks in the steam; to be cooked in this way: [VN] steamed fish / vegetables [also V] 3 [V+adv./prep.] (of a boat, ship, etc.) to move using the power produced by steam: The boat steamed across the lake. 4 [V+adv./prep.] (especially of a person) to go somewhere very quickly: He spotted her steaming down the corridor towards him. * (figurative) The company is steaming ahead with its investment programme. IDIOMS be / get (all) steamed up (about / over sth) (BrE) (AmE be steamed )about sth() (informal) to be/become very angry or excited about sth: You're getting all steamed up about nothing! PHRASALVERBS steam sth<->off