Vapors Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vapors
[หveษชpษrz ]
Definitions
in chemistry
Vapors are the gaseous state of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, such as water vapor. Vapors can be produced by evaporation or boiling.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vapors |
Usually refers to faint, often invisible, gases that can come from liquids or solids. Commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
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| fumes |
Describes strong, often unpleasant or harmful gases or smoke. Commonly associated with pollution or industrial processes.
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| steam |
Describes the hot, vaporized water produced by boiling. Commonly seen in contexts involving cooking, heating, or engines.
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| mist |
Refers to a collection of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, often creating a light fog. Typically used in natural or weather-related contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The vapors rising from the hot soup filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma.
- The cold weather caused visible vapors to form as the warm breath of the hikers met the chilly air.
in the context of alcohol or drugs
Vapors can refer to the effects of intoxicating substances, especially alcohol or drugs, on one's mind or behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vapors |
Same as the first entry above, relating to visible exhalations such as fog, mist, steam, or smoke.
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| intoxication |
Generally refers to the state of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing mental and physical faculties. It has a strongly negative connotation and is often associated with legal or health issues.
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| buzz |
Commonly refers to a continuous, low sound but in a figurative sense, it is used to describe a feeling of excitement or a slight high, often from caffeine, alcohol, or good news.
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| euphoria |
Describes a state of intense happiness and self-confidence. It is often used in positive contexts but can also refer to an exaggerated sense of well-being, which might be unrealistic or unhealthy.
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Examples of usage
- After a few drinks, he started feeling the vapors and began acting recklessly.
- The vapors from the drugs clouded her judgment and led to poor decision-making.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, vapors refer to gases produced by substances that can evaporate at room temperature.
- The process of liquid turning into vapor is called evaporation, crucial in natural phenomena like the water cycle.
History
- During the Victorian era, 'vapors' was often humorously linked to womenโs health, suggesting that women were prone to emotional issues caused by mysterious 'vapors'.
- In ancient cultures, unpleasant odors were often described as 'vapors' believed to cause illness.
Literature
- 'Vapor' is often used in poetry and prose to evoke feelings of mystery, transience, and the ephemeral nature of life.
- In Shakespeare's works, references to vapors often symbolize uncertainty or emotional turbulence.
Pop Culture
- In movies, hazy 'vapors' are frequently used to create a mystical atmosphere or to indicate something supernatural.
- The popular song 'Into the Mystic' mentions 'the vapors,' highlighting how they can symbolize both beauty and the unknown.
Origin of 'vapors'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'vapors' comes from the Latin 'vaporem', meaning 'exhalation' or 'mist'.
- The word has been used since the late Middle Ages to describe gas-like substances, particularly in medicine.
The word 'vapors' has its origin in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'vapeur' and the Latin word 'vapor'. The concept of vapors has been known since ancient times, with references in early scientific works. Vapors have been studied for their role in chemistry, meteorology, and medicine.
See also: vapor, vaporization, vaporize, vaporizer, vaporizing.