steep 1
— steeply , adv. — steepness , n.
/steep/ , adj., steeper, steepest , n.
adj.
1. having an almost vertical slope or pitch, or a relatively high gradient, as a hill, an ascent, stairs, etc.
2. (of a price or amount) unduly high; exorbitant: Those prices are too steep for me.
3. extreme or incredible, as a statement or story.
4. high or lofty.
n.
5. a steep place; declivity, as of a hill.
[ bef. 900; ME stepe (adj.), OE steap; akin to STOOP 1 ]
steep 2
— steeper , n.
/steep/ , v.t.
1. to soak in water or other liquid, as to soften, cleanse, or extract some constituent: to steep tea in boiling-hot water; to steep reeds for basket weaving.
2. to wet thoroughly in or with a liquid; drench; saturate; imbue.
3. to immerse in or saturate or imbue with some pervading, absorbing, or stupefying influence or agency: an incident steeped in mystery.
v.i.
4. to lie soaking in a liquid.
n.
5. the act or process of steeping or the state of being steeped.
6. a liquid in which something is steeped.
[ 1350-1400; (v.) ME stepen stöpa; (n.) late ME stepe, deriv. of the v. ]
Syn. 1. infuse. 2. permeate. 3. bury, engulf.