Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of edible clam: An edible clam with a thin, oval-shaped shell, typically found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe, often cooked by steaming.
   • A steam-powered ship: A ship that is powered by one or more steam engines.
   • A cooking utensil: A pot or device used to cook food by surrounding it with steam.

2. Verb:

   • To travel by steam power: To move or travel, especially of a ship, using the power generated by steam engines.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Clam):

  • We ordered a dozen steamers with melted butter for dinner.
  • Steamers are a popular seafood item in New England.

• Noun (Ship):

  • The historic steamer made regular trips across the lake.
  • In the 19th century, the steamer revolutionized transatlantic travel.

• Noun (Utensil):

  • She used a bamboo steamer to cook the vegetables.
  • A rice steamer is an essential kitchen appliance.

• Verb:

  • The great ship steamed into the harbor at dawn.
  • For hours, the vessel steamed steadily toward the horizon.

Advanced Usage

• "Steamer trunk": A large, rigid trunk used for long voyages, historically associated with travel on steamships.
  • The antique steamer trunk was filled with old clothes and souvenirs.

Variants and Related Words

• Steamship (n): A synonym for a steam-powered ship.

  • The steamship company offered passage to the New World.

• Steam (v/n): The root word; to cook with steam or the vapor itself.

  • You should steam the broccoli to retain its nutrients.

Synonyms

• Clam: (for the shellfish meaning) bivalve, mollusk.
• Steamship: (for the ship meaning) steamboat, liner.
• Cooker: (for the utensil meaning) vaporizer, steam cooker.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Steam ahead: To proceed with great energy or determination.

  • Despite the challenges, the team decided to steam ahead with the project.

• Steam up: To become covered with condensation; to become very angry or agitated.

  • The windows steamed up from the hot shower.
  • He really steamed up when he heard the news.

Related Idioms

• Full steam ahead: Proceeding with maximum speed, energy, or enthusiasm.

  • After receiving approval, the project went full steam ahead.

• Let off steam: To release pent-up energy or strong emotion, often through physical activity or loud expression.

  • After the stressful meeting, he went for a run to let off steam.

Noun

1. an edible clam with thin oval-shaped shell found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe
2. a ship powered by one or more steam engines
3. a cooking utensil that can be used to cook food by steaming it
4. a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

Verb

1. travel by means of steam power
   • The ship steamed off into the Pacific