(steams, steaming, steamed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
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.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If something steams, it gives off steam.
...restaurants where coffee pots steamed on their burners.
...a basket of steaming bread rolls.
VERB: V, V-ing
3.
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.
VERB: V n, V, V-ed
4.
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...
PHRASE: v PHR
5.
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.
PHRASE: V inflects
6.
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.
PHRASE: V inflects