(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
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 ~ as a means of power.
In an electric power plant the heat converts water into high-pressure ~.
...the invention of the ~ engine.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If something ~s, it gives off ~.
...restaurants where coffee pots ~ed on their burners.
...a basket of ~ing bread rolls.
VERB: V, V-ing
3.
If you ~ food or if it ~s, you cook it in ~ rather than in water.
Steam the carrots until they are just beginning to be tender...
Leave the vegetables to ~ over the rice for the 20 minutes cooking time.
...~ed clams and broiled chicken.
VERB: V n, V, V-ed
4.
If something such as a plan or a project goes full ~ ahead, it progresses quickly.
The Government was determined to go full ~ ahead with its privatisation programme...
PHRASE: v PHR
5.
If you let off ~, 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 ~.
PHRASE: V inflects
6.
If you run out of ~, 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 ~ halfway through.
PHRASE: V inflects