vapor UK /ˈveɪpə/US /ˈveɪpɚ/noun 6verb 5forms 3 noun6 •Cloudy diffused matter such as mist, steam or fumes suspended in the air.A mild vapour is thrown out, and not a hot steam; the invention appears to control the amount of the vapor, and and ^([sic]) even the force of the fire which produces it. — 1847 •The gaseous state of a substance that is normally a solid or liquid. •(old-fashioned) Any medicinal agent designed for administration in the form of inhaled vapour.Sulphurous fumes have also been recommended, as well as diffusing a variety of vapors in the apartment of the patient; on their beneficial or injurious effects we are unable to speak. — 1836 •Something insubstantial, fleeting, or transitory; unreal fancy; vain imagination; idle talk; boasting.For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. — 1611 •[in the plural] (no longer used) Hypochondria; melancholy; the blues; hysteria, or other nervous disorder.Jan 13, 1732, John Arbuthnot, letter to Jonathan Swift He talks me into a fit of vapours twice or thrice a week. •(no longer used) Wind; flatulence.The surcharge of the stomack from a gross vapour, and from the poise of some outward weight, are alike — 1605 verb5 •To become vapor; to be emitted or circulated as vapor. •To turn into vapor.He'd […]laugh to see one throw his heart away, / Another, sighing, vapour forth his soul. — 1617 •To emit vapor or fumes.Running waters vapour not so much as standing waters. — 1627 •To use insubstantial language; to boast or bluster.He vapoured, and fretted, and fumed, and trotted up and down, and tried to make himself pleasing in Miss Hollis's big, quiet, grey eyes, and failed. — 1888 •To give (someone) the vapors; to depress, to bore.“I only mean,” cried she, giddily, “that he might have some place a little more pleasant to live in, for really that old moat and draw-bridge are enough to vapour him to death […].” — 1782 formsvapored · vaporing · vapors
