The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative steeper, superlative steepest
Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward at an angle near vertical. examples
(informal) expensive examples
(obsolete) Difficult to access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated; high. quotations
Her ears and thoughts in steep amaze erected
1596, George Chapman, De Guiana, carmen Epicum
(of the rake of a ship's mast, or a car's windshield) resulting in a mast or windshield angle that strongly diverges from the perpendicular examples
plural steeps
The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity. quotations examples
It ended precipitously in a dark and narrow ravine, formed on the other side by an opposite mountain, the lofty steep of which was crested by a city gently rising on a gradual slope
1833, Benjamin Disraeli, The Wondrous Tale of Alroy
third-person singular simple present steeps, present participle steeping, simple past and past participle steeped
(transitive, middle voice) To soak or wet thoroughly. quotations examples
In refreshing dews to steep / The little, trembling flowers.
1820, William Wordsworth, Composed at Cora Linn, in sight of Wallace's Tower
(intransitive, figurative) To imbue with something; to be deeply immersed in. quotations examples
The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin.
1871, John Earle, The Philology of the English Tongue
We fought against each other, two brothers steeped in blood / But I never doubted that your heart was broken in the flood / And though we had to shoot you down in golden Béal na mBláth / I always knew that Ireland lost her greatest son of all.
1989, Black 47, Big Fellah
To make tea (or other beverage) by placing leaves in hot water. examples
countable and uncountable, plural steeps
A liquid used in a steeping process examples
A rennet bag. examples