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. 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.

Other Word Forms

• vapourish adjective
• vapoury adjective
• vapourless adjective
• vapourability noun
• vapourer noun
• vapourable adjective
• vapour-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vapour¹

C14: from Latin vapor

Example Sentences

One of the most important is a measure of how much moisture the atmosphere can extract from the land, known as the "vapour pressure deficit".

From BBC

That means that as it approaches the Sun later this year, the energy from the Sun will heat the object's surface, leading to blazes of vapour and dust.

From BBC

The BBC reported in February the supermarkets were displaying posters and video screens showing devices which create a nicotine-containing vapour by heating tobacco with an electric current.

From BBC

This year the Red Arrows went green as they used a more environmentally friendly blend of fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel and a biofuel for the trademark vapour trail.

From BBC

The samples were rejected as they needed to be airtight so they could retain vapour from any potential accelerant used, he added.

From BBC