steam
steam
UK[stiːm]US[stiːm]
n
the hot gas that is produced when water boils
v
to cook food by heating it in steam from boiling water
v
to produce steam
Etymology
the word 'steam' descends directly from the old english 'stēam', which referred to vapor, smoke, or breath. this old english term is believed to originate from the proto-germanic 'staumaz', a concept related to vapor or mist. the core meaning has remained remarkably consistent from its germanic roots, always connected to visible vapor, particularly from hot water. its journey into modern english saw it specialize to primarily denote the gaseous phase of water, central to the power of the industrial revolution and everyday cooking.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old english 'stēam', meaning vapor, smoke, or exhalation. it functions as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the steam from the kettle fogged up the window.
she prefers to steam vegetables to retain their nutrients.
the old locomotive began to steam as it prepared to depart.