Definition

Noun: A type of household appliance used for ironing clothes. It is a pressing iron that has an internal water reservoir and can emit steam through holes in its soleplate (the flat, heated bottom surface). The steam helps to remove wrinkles from fabric more effectively than a dry iron.

Usage

A "steam iron" is used for the task of ironing. It is typically filled with water, which is heated to produce steam. The user guides the iron over garments, and the combination of heat and steam relaxes the fabric's fibers to smooth out wrinkles.

Examples

• She used the steam iron to press her silk blouse.
• Modern steam irons often have variable temperature controls for different fabrics.
• Remember to empty the water from the steam iron after use.

Advanced Usage

• "Steam iron" as a verb phrase: While primarily a noun, it can be used informally as a verb phrase meaning to iron with a steam iron.
  • Example: "I need to steam iron these trousers before the meeting."

Variants and Related Words

• Iron (noun): The general term for the appliance. A "steam iron" is a specific type of iron.
• Dry iron (noun): A pressing iron that does not have a steam function.
• Steamer / Garment steamer (noun): A different appliance that uses a jet of steam to remove wrinkles from hanging clothes without pressing.

Synonyms

• Pressing iron (with steam function)
• Steam press (in some contexts, though this often refers to larger industrial machines)

Antonyms

• Dry iron

Noun

1. a pressing iron that can emit steam