Steamlike

Steamlike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles steam in appearance or behavior. In everyday language, it refers to a visible mist or plume produced by water vapor that appears white and diffuse, often seen rising from hot liquids, boiling water, or humidifier devices. The term can also apply to vapor plumes from other liquids when they evaporate and condense into tiny droplets.

In scientific usage, steamlike describes the visual effect of water vapor becoming visible as it cools and condenses upon contact with cooler air. It is not a strict technical term for the state of matter; scientifically, steam is gaseous water, while visible steam is a suspension of tiny droplets. The appearance depends on temperature, pressure, humidity, and the presence of impurities or aerosols that seed condensation. Distinctions are often made between truly hot water vapor (invisible) and the steamlike mist that accompanies rapid evaporation.

In practical contexts, steamlike effects are used in stage productions, film, and culinary settings to convey heat or moisture. Humidifiers, boiling liquids, or dry ice with warm water can create steamlike plumes. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe processes or aesthetics that resemble the visual character of steam, such as foggy atmospheres in art or design.

The term is formed by combining steam with the suffix -like, indicating likeness, and has usage dating from at least the 19th century in descriptive prose.

See also: Steam, Fog, Vapor.