vapour bathvapor bathn.
/ˈveɪpə bɑːθ/, /ˈveɪpə baθ/, U.S. /ˈveɪpər ˌbæθ/ 1.
a. A bath consisting of vapour. (Cf. vaporous adj. 1) Also, an apartment in which a bath of this kind is used.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by gas, air, or fumes > [noun] > exposure to fumes or vapour > vapour bath
vapour bath1719
1719 J. Quincy Lexicon Physico-medicum (1722) 8 Æstuary, a kind of Vapour-Bath.
1766 T. Smollett Trav. France & Italy II. xxxii. 135 They likewise indulged in vapour-baths, in order to enjoy a pleasing relaxation.
1802 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 8 57 A machine for conveying a vapour bath to diseased limbs.
1843 C. Scudamore Med. Visit Gräfenberg 12 Some persons argue that the vapor bath is quite as useful as the blanket.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 579 Vapour baths help not only to remove the scales [etc.].
b. transferred. A thing or place comparable to a bath of this kind.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > [noun] > oppressive heat > and close
vapour bath1800
stuffiness1859
frowst1907
1800 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 4 46 This kind of internal and highly inflammable vapour-bath is ever ready to catch fire.
1838 P. Hawker Diary (1893) II. 148 The last Drawing Room of the season; so of course an awful crowd and a vapour bath.
1864 G. O. Trevelyan Competition Wallah 152 One day in August, when all Chowringhee is a vast vapour-bath.
2. Chemistry. A vessel or receptacle in which hot vapour is generated in order to heat or melt a substance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > equipment or apparatus > [noun] > general vessels > baths > of vapour
vapour bath1728
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Vaporosum Balneum, or Vapour-Bath, in Chymistry, a Term applied to a Chymist's Bath, or Heat, wherein the Body is placed so as to receive the Fumes of boiling Water.
1844 G. Bird Urinary Deposits (1857) 18 Evaporate an ounce..over a spirit-lamp without the interposition of the vapour-bath.
1891 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 27 95 I have..used gelatine.., melting it like glue in a vapour bath.
Derivatives
vapour-bathing n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by gas, air, or fumes > [noun] > exposure to fumes or vapour
fumigationc1400
suffumigation1422
subjugation?a1425
evaporation1583
suffume1656
vapour-bathing1766
bath1771
1766 J. Symons (title) Observations on Vapor-Bathing.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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