va·por (v  p r)n. 1. Barely visible or cloudy diffused matter, such as mist, fumes, or smoke, suspended in the air. 2. a. The state of a substance that exists below its critical temperature and that may be liquefied by application of sufficient pressure. b. The gaseous state of a substance that is liquid or solid under ordinary conditions. 3. a. The vaporized form of a substance for use in industrial, military, or medical processes. b. A mixture of a vapor and air, as the explosive gasoline-air mixture burned in an internal-combustion engine. 4. Archaic a. Something insubstantial, worthless, or fleeting. b. A fantastic or foolish idea. 5. vapors Archaic a. Exhalations within a bodily organ, especially the stomach, supposed to affect the mental or physical condition. Used with the. b. A nervous disorder such as depression or hysteria. Used with the. v. va·pored, va·por·ing, va·pors v.tr. To vaporize. v.intr. 1. To give off vapor. 2. To evaporate. 3. To engage in idle, boastful talk. [Middle English vapour, from Anglo-Norman, from Latin vapor.] va por·er n. |
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