This is the 12143rd most frequent French word.
vapeur
Steam; vapor.
In this sentence, 'vapeur' refers to the physical steam or vapor produced from heated water.
La vapeur s'échappait de la casserole pendant la cuisson.
Steam was escaping from the pot during cooking.
Here, 'à la vapeur' describes the method of cooking that involves steam, emphasizing the culinary process.
J'adore manger des légumes cuits à la vapeur.
I love eating vegetables cooked in steam.
In this example, 'à vapeur' indicates the type of propulsion mechanism that uses steam to operate.