vapor
n. · v.-
1 mist or steam (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American Englisha cloud of very small drops of liquid in the air, like steam or mist.
a visible suspension of fine particles or droplets in the air, such as mist, steam, or fumes.
ExampleThe morning sun caused a thick vapor to rise from the lake.
ExampleAs the temperature dropped, a dense vapor began to cling to the valley floor, reducing visibility for the early morning commuters.
UsageUncountable when referring to the general substance; countable when referring to specific types or clouds.
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2 gaseous state (n.) C1 Advanced American English Technical Sciencethe gas form of something that is usually a liquid or solid.
the gaseous phase of a substance that normally exists as a liquid or solid at standard temperature and pressure.
ExampleWater turns into vapor when it reaches its boiling point.
ExampleThe laboratory was equipped with specialized ventilation to extract the toxic chemical vapors produced during the experiment.
UsageCommonly used in chemistry and physics contexts.
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3 the vapors (n.) C2 Proficiency American English Archaican old-fashioned way to describe feeling nervous, dizzy, or sad.
a historical term for a state of depression, hysteria, or nervous faintness.
ExampleIn the old novel, the lady suffered from the vapors after hearing the bad news.
ExampleThe Victorian protagonist was prone to the vapors, frequently requiring a quiet room and smelling salts to recover her composure.
UsageAlmost always used in the plural form as 'the vapors'.
Teacher's tipThis is mostly found in 18th and 19th-century literature; modern speakers only use it humorously.
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4 to turn into gas (v.) C1 Advanced American English Technical Scienceto turn into a gas or to give off steam.
to convert into vapor or to emit substances in a gaseous state.
ExampleThe liquid began to vapor as it was heated on the stove.
ExampleThe volatile compounds will vapor quickly if left uncovered in a warm environment.
UsageIntransitive in this sense.
From Middle English vapour, from Anglo-Norman vapour, Old French vapor, from Latin vapor (“steam, heat”).