vapour

[ vey-per ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. vapor.

vapour

/ ˈveɪpə /

noun

1. particles of moisture or other substance suspended in air and visible as clouds, smoke, etc
2. a gaseous substance at a temperature below its critical temperature Compare gas
3. a substance that is in a gaseous state at a temperature below its boiling point
4. rare.
   something fanciful that lacks substance or permanence
5. the vapours archaic.
   a depressed mental condition believed originally to be the result of vaporous exhalations from the stomach

verb

1. to evaporate or cause to evaporate; vaporize
2. intr to make vain empty boasts; brag

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Derived Forms

• ˈvapourish, adjective
• ˈvapoury, adjective
• ˈvapourless, adjective
• ˌvapouraˈbility, noun
• ˈvapourer, noun
• ˈvapourable, adjective
• ˈvapour-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vapour¹

C14: from Latin vapor

Example Sentences

However, in the model the polar regions of Arrakis have significantly more atmospheric moisture and high cloud cover which acts to warm the climate since water vapour is a greenhouse gas.

From Popular-Science

Cooling of the atmosphere can also occur, as clouds formed from the emitted water vapour reflect incoming sunlight back to space.

From Popular-Science

She saw his back for an instant against the pale gloom of the garden, in which vapour was curling.

From Project Gutenberg

This shows what a considerable power is lost by cold sides where the vapour is so rare.

From Project Gutenberg

As they move in toward the sun long trails of vapour stream back from the somewhat consolidated head.

From Project Gutenberg

At other times spouts of green or black vapour rise, mix and lose themselves in the yellow cloud.

From Project Gutenberg

The sphere is so near to the sun that if it were possessed of water it would inevitably bear an atmosphere full of vapour.

From Project Gutenberg