steam-heat

/'sti:m'hi:t/

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Word: Steam-Heat

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To "steam-heat" means to heat something using steam. Steam is the gas that forms when water is heated and turns into vapor. In this context, it often refers to using steam to warm up a space, like a room or building.

Usage Instructions:

1. Basic Usage: You can use "steam-heat" when talking about heating systems, especially in buildings that use steam to provide warmth.
2. Example Sentence: "In the winter, our old building is steam-heated, so it stays warm and cozy."

Advanced Usage:

• Technical Context: In engineering or building management, "steam-heat" might refer to a specific type of heating system known as a steam heating system, where water is boiled to create steam that travels through pipes to heat radiators.

Word Variants:

• Steam Heating (noun): The process or system of using steam to heat a space (e.g., "The steam heating in this building is very efficient.").
• Steam-Heated (adjective): Describing something that is heated by steam (e.g., "The steam-heated rooms are comfortable during cold weather.").

Different Meanings:

• Steam (noun): In a broader sense, "steam" can refer to the vapor that comes from boiling water, not just in heating contexts.
• Heat (noun): Refers to warmth or high temperature in general.

Synonyms:

• Heat up (verb): To make something warm (though this is more general and does not specifically imply using steam).
• Warm (verb): To increase the temperature of something.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Blow off steam": This idiom means to release pent-up energy or emotion, often by engaging in physical activity or expressing feelings.
• "Steam ahead": This means to move forward with determination, often used in a context of progress or projects.

Example in a Sentence:

• "The old factory used to steam-heat its production line, creating a warm environment for workers during the cold months."

Academic

Verb

1. heat by means of steam