steaming

Etymology

By surface analysis, steam +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈstiː.mɪŋ/
• Rhymes: -iːmɪŋ

Noun

steaming (countable and uncountable, plural steamings)

1. The action of steam on something.

   Steaming is fine for this fabric, as long as you keep the iron moving.

2. The method of cooking by immersion in steam.

   Coordinate terms: sweating, sautéing, boiling, frying

   Their favorite way to cook clams is steaming.

3. The act or process of seafaring under steam power.

   Steaming was their preferred way to travel until airliners came along.

4. The raising of steam by a steam locomotive etc; the maintenance of a head of steam during operation; (metonymically) operation under load.

   Hyponym: steaming up

   Two 4-4-0s were steaming through the scenic foothills, giving rides to tourists.

   • 1947 January and February, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 39:

     The response to firing is remarkable, and though the 280 lb. pressure seems more in the nature of a reserve for emergencies than a continuous working figure, even with the present-day apology for coal it seldom fell below 250 lb., and could always be brought up to blowing-off point with little difficulty. To this liveliness of steaming the thermic syphons are doubtless the chief contributory.

   • 1961 February, 'Balmore', “Driving and firing modern French steam locomotives - Part One”, in Trains Illustrated, page 109:

     The perfect steaming and beautiful mechanical condition of the Pacific were immediately apparent.

5. (UK, informal) A form of robbery in which a large gang moves swiftly and violently through a bus or train.

Adjective

steaming (comparative more steaming, superlative most steaming)

1. Giving off steam.

   We were served with steaming bowls of soup.

2. Extremely hot
3. (slang) Very angry.

   I was steaming when I heard about their betrayal.

4. (slang, UK) Extremely drunk.
   • 2021, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water, Viking, page 6:

     ‘Will it help or hinder if I tell you I was steaming that evening and remember nothing, full stop?’

Verb

steaming

1. present participle and gerund of steam

Anagrams

• mangiest, mintages, negatism, teamings