STEAM

The elastic, aëriform fluid into which water is converted when heated to the boiling points; water in the state of vapor.

The mist formed by condensed vapor; visible vapor; -- so called in popular usage.

Any exhalation. "A steam og rich, distilled perfumes." Milton. Dry steam, steam which does not contain water held in suspension mechanically; -- sometimes applied to superheated steam. -- Exhaust steam. See under Exhaust. -- High steam, or High-pressure steam, steam of which the pressure greatly exceeds that of the atmosphere. -- Low steam, or Low-pressure steam, steam of which the pressure is less than, equal to, or not greatly above, that of the atmosphere. -- Saturated steam, steam at the temperature of the boiling point which corresponds to its pressure; -- sometimes also applied to wet steam. -- Superheated steam, steam heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point corresponding to its pressure. It can not exist in contact with water, nor contain water, and resembles a perfect gas; - - called also surcharged steam, anhydrous steam, and steam gas. -- Wet steam, steam which contains water held in suspension mechanically; -- called also misty steam.

To emit steam or vapor. My brother's ghost hangs hovering there, O'er his warm blood, that steams into the air. Dryden. Let the crude humors dance In heated brass, steaming with fire intence. J. Philips.

To rise in vapor; to issue, or pass off, as vapor. The dissolved amber . . . steamed away into the air. Boyle.

To move or travel by the agency of steam. The vessel steamed out of port. N. P. Willis.

To generate steam; as, the boiler steams well.

To exhale. [Obs.] Spenser.

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.