Steam: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’จ
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steam

 

[ stiหm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

video games

Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, allowing users to purchase, download, and play video games. It also provides social networking services and community features.

Synonyms

digital platform, game store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steam

Refers specifically to the popular digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation for purchasing and playing video games.

  • I just bought a new game on Steam.
  • Steam has a great sale this week.
digital platform

Used more broadly to describe any online service where digital content, including games, movies, music, etc., can be distributed and accessed.

  • Netflix is a popular digital platform for streaming movies.
  • Steam is my favorite digital platform for gaming.
game store

Refers to any place, either physical or online, where video games and related products can be bought. It can refer to traditional stores or specific online services.

  • I went to the game store to buy the latest FIFA game.
  • Steam is an online game store where you can find many titles.

Examples of usage

  • Many gamers prefer using Steam to buy and manage their game library.
  • Steam sales are known for offering great discounts on popular titles.
Context #2 | Noun

vapor

Steam is the invisible gaseous form of water produced by boiling or evaporation. It is commonly used in various industrial processes and for generating electricity.

Synonyms

fumes, vapor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
steam

This is a duplicate of 'steam', referring to the vapor from boiling water or used in industrial contexts.

  • The chef was careful not to burn his hands on the steam.
  • Steam powers the old locomotives.
vapor

Vapor is a more general term for gaseous forms of substances, often used in scientific or technical contexts. It can also refer to mist or haze.

  • The morning sun started to evaporate the dew, turning it into vapor.
  • Water vapor is a major greenhouse gas.
fumes

Fumes are typically associated with smoke or gas that can be harmful or unpleasant. They're often linked to pollution, chemicals, or something burning.

  • The car's exhaust produces harmful fumes.
  • Avoid inhaling the fumes from the cleaning products.

Examples of usage

  • The steam rising from the kettle indicated that the water was boiling.
  • Steam turbines are often used in power plants to generate electricity.

Translations

Translations of the word "steam" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vapor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเคพเคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dampf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ uap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ para

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่’ธๆฐ— (ใ˜ใ‚‡ใ†ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vapeur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vapor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท buhar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฆ๊ธฐ (jeung-gi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฎุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pรกra

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ para

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่’ธๆฑฝ (zhฤ“ngqรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ para

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gufa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒ—แƒฅแƒšแƒ˜ (ortkli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ buxar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vapor

Etymology

The word 'steam' originated from the Old English word 'stฤ“am', which referred to the vapor or hot gas produced during boiling. The concept of steam has been integral to human civilization, playing a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution and advancements in technology.

See also: steamboat, steamer, steaming, steamroll, steamship.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,839, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.