First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1vapor
noun va·por \ˈvā-pər\
: a substance that is in the form of a gas or that consists of very small drops or particles mixed with the air
Full Definition of VAPOR
1
: diffused matter (as smoke or fog) suspended floating in the air and impairing its transparency
2
a : a substance in the gaseous state as distinguished from the liquid or solid state b : a substance (as gasoline, alcohol, mercury, or benzoin) vaporized for industrial, therapeutic, or military uses; also : a mixture (as the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine) of such a vapor with air
3
a : something unsubstantial or transitory : phantasm b : a foolish or fanciful idea
4
plural a archaic : exhalations of bodily organs (as the stomach) held to affect the physical or mental condition b : a depressed or hysterical nervous condition
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Origin of VAPOR
Middle English vapour, from Anglo-French vapor, from Latin, steam, vapor
2vapor
verb
va·poredva·por·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of VAPOR
intransitive verb
1
a : to rise or pass off in vapor b : to emit vapor
2
: to indulge in bragging, blustering, or idle talk
— va·por·er \-pər-ər\ noun
First Known Use of VAPOR
15th century
VAPORER Defined for Kids
vapor
noun va·por \ˈvā-pər\
Definition of VAPOR for Kids
1
: fine bits (as of fog or smoke) floating in the air and clouding it
2
: a substance in the form of a gas <water vapor>
Medical Dictionary
vapor
noun va·por
Medical Definition of VAPOR
1
a : a substance in the gaseous state as distinguished from the liquid or solid state b : a substance (as alcohol or benzoin) vaporized for industrial, therapeutic, or military uses
2
vapors or chiefly British vapours pl a : exhalations of bodily organs (as the stomach) formerly held to affect the physical or mental condition b : a depressed or hysterical nervous condition
Variants of VAPOR
va·por or chiefly British va·pour \ˈvā-pər\
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