to steam
9
1.7
- verb
- /stiːm/
:
limpiar con vapor
- I had to steam clean last time, and there's still sort of a shadow.
- to steam clean
- steam out wrinkles
- steam clothes
Examples
-
Go and steam the tablecloths for tonight.
-
Is this gonna come off the seats or are we gonna have to steam clean everything before my mom comes back?
-
I got to get my dress steamed.
-
She could steam clean carpets, whatever that means.
-
The next night at dinner, Mother served pot roast with steamed carrots and potatoes.
Fiction book (1998) -
We steam-cleaned the garage, had some killer take-out from Punjab Palace.
-
The waitress approached our table with greetings, menus, and a steaming hot coffeepot.
Academic text (2006) -
Mother poured hot water from the steaming kettle into a mug and added her father's favorite tea to steep.
Fiction book (2000) -
Men leaned against the sagging rail around the oval, sipping from steaming paper cups.
Fiction book (1995) -
I need to steam clean the carpets before my guests arrive this weekend.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To remove dirt and stains
3
3.2
Remove dirt or stains from something using hot steam
1
3.9
To clean a surface with a strong stream of water to remove dirt
Idioms
To use much more effort or help than needed to do a small task
Phrasal Verbs
- Informal
14
3.5
Do something active, like go for a run, to feel less angry or stressed
Compounds
- Specialized
10
3.5
A machine that uses steam from hot water to move parts like pistons or wheels
- Archaic
2
5.7
A large machine with a bucket that digs and moves earth in construction and mining
- Specialized
1
3.9
A closed tank that heats water to make steam to power machines or heat buildings
- Specialized
1
3.5
A system that makes hot vapor in a heater to warm rooms through pipes and radiators
- Archaic
A solid fuel burned in steam boilers to make steam for engines or power plants
- Specialized
A machine that uses high-pressure steam to make a vacuum by pulling in liquids or gases
- Specialized
Work that installs and fixes pipes and machines for steam, heating or cooling systems
- Archaic
A musical instrument that uses hot air to make whistles played by a keyboard
How Clean
Surface Forms
Etymology
Steam comes from an old English word for 'vapor', meaning hot water in the air. So to steam a sofa or carpet is to use that hot vapor to clean and lift dirt and stains.