steam /stiːm/ CET4 TEM4 ( steaming, steamed, steams )

• 1. 

  N-UNCOUNT Steam is the hot mist that forms when water boils. Steam vehicles and machines are operated using steam as a means of power. 蒸汽

  例：

  In an electric power plant the heat converts water into high-pressure steam.

  在发电厂里，热把水转换成高压水蒸汽。

• 2. 

  V-I If something steams, it gives off steam. 冒蒸汽

  例：

  ...restaurants where coffee pots steamed on their burners.

  …饭店里咖啡壶在炉子上冒着热气。

• 3. 

  V-T/V-I If you steam food or if it steams, you cook it in steam rather than in water. 蒸

  例：

  Steam the carrots until they are just beginning to be tender.

  把胡萝卜蒸到刚好变软。

  例：

  Leave the vegetables to steam over the rice for the 20 minutes cooking time.

  把蔬菜放在米饭上蒸20分钟。

• 4. 

  PHRASE If something such as a plan or a project goes full steam ahead, it progresses quickly. 全速推进

  例：

  The administration was determined to go full steam ahead with its reform programme.

  当局决心全速推进其改革方案。

• 5. 

  PHRASE If you run out of steam, you stop doing something because you have no more energy or enthusiasm left. 筋疲力尽 [非正式]

  例：

  I decided to paint the bathroom ceiling but ran out of steam halfway through.

  我决定要粉刷浴室天花板，但干了一半就筋疲力尽了。