Definition of steam

• n. - The elastic, aeriform fluid into which water is converted when heated to the boiling points; water in the state of vapor.
• n. - The mist formed by condensed vapor; visible vapor; -- so called in popular usage.
• n. - Any exhalation.
• v. i. - To emit steam or vapor.
• v. i. - To rise in vapor; to issue, or pass off, as vapor.
• v. i. - To move or travel by the agency of steam.
• v. i. - To generate steam; as, the boiler steams well.
• v. t. - To exhale.
• v. t. - To expose to the action of steam; to apply steam to for softening, dressing, or preparing; as, to steam wood; to steamcloth; to steam food, etc.