Definition

Adjective: 1. Powered by a steam engine: Describes a machine, vehicle, or device that operates using the force generated by steam pressure, typically from water heated by burning fuel (like coal or wood). This force drives pistons or turbines to create motion.

Usage

The adjective "steam-powered" is used directly before a noun to describe what kind of power source it uses. * The steam-powered pump was essential for draining the mine. * Early factories relied on steam-powered machinery. * It is a fully restored, steam-powered tractor.

Examples

• The industrial revolution was driven by steam-powered engines.
• We visited a museum dedicated to steam-powered ships.
• The difference between a steam-powered printing press and a modern electric one is remarkable.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something perceived as old-fashioned, laborious, or from an earlier technological era.
  • His writing process, with a manual typewriter and carbon paper, felt almost steam-powered compared to modern word processing.

Variants and Related Words

• Steam power (noun): The power source itself.
  • The age of steam power transformed transportation.
• Steam engine (noun): The specific engine that uses steam power.
  • James Watt improved the design of the steam engine.

Synonyms

• Steam-driven
• (Contextually) Industrial-age, piston-driven

Antonyms

• Electric-powered
• Diesel-powered
• Gasoline-powered
• Battery-powered
• Digital

Adjective

1. powered by a steam engine
   • a steam-powered locomotive