steep 1 (st p)adj. steep·er, steep·est 1. Having a sharp inclination; precipitous. 2. At a rapid or precipitous rate: a steep rise in salaries. 3. a. Excessive; stiff: a steep price. b. Ambitious; difficult: a steep undertaking. n. A precipitous slope. [Middle English stepe, from Old English st ap.]steep  ly adv.steep ness n.Synonyms: steep1, abrupt, precipitous, sheer2 These adjectives mean so sharply inclined as to be almost perpendicular: steep cliffs; an abrupt drop-off; precipitous hills; a sheer descent. |
| steep 2 (stp) v. steeped, steep·ing, steeps v.tr. 1. To soak in liquid in order to cleanse, soften, or extract a given property from. 2. To infuse or subject thoroughly to. 3. To make thoroughly wet; saturate. v.intr. To undergo a soaking in liquid. n. 1. a. The act or process of steeping. b. The state of being steeped. 2. A liquid, bath, or solution in which something is steeped. [Middle English stepen, perhaps of Old English origin.] steep er n. |
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