■ noun
1》 the hot vapour into which water is converted when heated, which condenses in the air into a mist of minute water droplets.
2》 the expansive force of this vapour used as a source of power for machines.
3》 momentum; impetus: the dispute gathered ~.
■ verb
1》 give off or produce ~.
↘( ~ up or ~ something up ) become or cause something to become misted over with ~.
2》 cook (food) by heating it in ~ from boiling water.
↘clean or otherwise treat with ~.
↘apply ~ to (something fixed with adhesive) so as to open or loosen it.
3》 (of a ship or train) travel somewhere under ~ power.
↘ informal come, go, or move somewhere rapidly or in a forceful way.
↘generate ~ in and operate (a ~ locomotive).
4》 ( be/get ~ed up ) informal be or become extremely agitated or angry.
Phrases
get up (or pick up ) ~
1》 generate enough pressure to drive a ~ engine.
2》 (of an activity, project, etc.) gradually gain impetus.
have ~ coming out of one's ears informal be extremely angry.
let (or blow ) off ~ informal get rid of pent-up energy or strong emotion.
run out of (or lose ) ~ informal lose impetus or enthusiasm.
under one's own ~ without assistance from others.
Origin
OE stēam 'vapour', stēman 'emit a scent, be exhaled', of Gmc origin.