Steam Meaning
Steam Definition & Usage
The vapor into which water is converted when heated, typically seen rising from hot liquids or surfaces.
Examples
- "Steam poured out of the kettle as it whistled on the stove."
- "The steam from the hot soup clouded the glass window."
- "He carefully removed the lid to let the steam escape from the pot."
- "The bathroom was filled with steam after the long shower."
- "She breathed in the steam rising from the freshly brewed tea."
The power derived from water vapor used to drive machinery, such as in steam engines or turbines.
Examples
- "The Industrial Revolution saw a massive increase in the use of steam to power factories."
- "The old steam engine chugged along the tracks, making a rhythmic sound."
- "Steam turbines are still used in some power plants today."
- "The invention of the steam engine revolutionized transportation."
- "Ships powered by steam were once the main method of long-distance travel."
To emit steam, or to be subjected to steam treatment.
Examples
- "The potatoes were steamed for dinner."
- "She steamed the vegetables to preserve their nutrients."
- "The machine steamed the wrinkles out of the clothes."
- "We watched the clothes steaming in the laundry room."
- "He steamed his face to open the pores before applying the mask."
A colloquial term for something that is intense or heated, such as in a situation or emotion.
Examples
- "He let off some steam after the stressful meeting."
- "She was so angry that she started to steam up with frustration."
- "The argument turned into a real steam when they couldn’t agree."
- "After a long day, he needed a good walk to release the steam."
- "Don't let the steam build up, take a break and cool off."
Cultural Context
The word 'steam' has had numerous applications throughout history. Its first use referred to vaporized water, but with the advent of steam engines in the 18th and 19th centuries, it came to symbolize progress and innovation, particularly in the context of the Industrial Revolution. In modern usage, 'steam' also has metaphorical meanings, indicating emotional release or the release of pressure.
The Steam Engine's Last Journey
Story
The Steam Engine's Last Journey
It was a crisp autumn day when the last steam-powered locomotive chugged along the old railway tracks. Emily, a young engineer, had spent the past year meticulously restoring the historic machine, a symbol of a bygone era. As she stood on the platform, the thick plume of steam rose from the engine, twisting in the cool morning air like an ancient spirit rising from the past. The crowd gathered to witness the final journey of the steam engine, some in awe of its power, others nostalgic for the days when steam was the lifeblood of industry. As the train started moving, Emily smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The hiss of the steam echoed in her ears, and the old machinery rumbled to life, reminding her of the many people who had worked with steam engines to build cities, transport goods, and change the world. She thought of her grandfather, who had once worked on a similar engine, and how he had spoken about the 'power of steam' in the way he spoke of an unstoppable force. But the journey was more than just a trip down memory lane. It was about recognizing how far humanity had come since the first steam engines powered their way across the country. The engines were now a relic, a reminder of the early days of industrial revolution. As the train steamed along the tracks, Emily felt the weight of history, but also the excitement of the future. The train would be the last steam-powered locomotive to run in this region, but the legacy of steam would live on in her work. Later that evening, she sat in the warmth of her small office, the steam from her cup of tea rising in the air, and thought about what came next. The future of transportation lay in electric engines, yet the lessons learned from steam would always be part of the journey. As the steam from her tea curled upward, she realized that the pressure to innovate was a bit like the steam itself – necessary for progress, but only when controlled and channeled in the right direction.
