steep

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of a near-vertical gradient

   Of a near-vertical gradient; of a slope, surface, curve, etc. that proceeds upward at an angle near vertical.

   • a steep hill or mountain; a steep roof; a steep ascent; a steep barometric gradient
   • Up these steep walkways cannelured for footpurchase, the free passage of roaches.
2. 2

   Expensive.

   • Twenty quid for a shave? That's a bit steep.
3. 3

   Difficult to access

   Difficult to access; not easy reached; lofty; elevated; high.

   • Her ears and thoughts in steep amaze erected
4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      resulting in a mast or windshield angle that strongly diverges from the perpendicular.

      • The steep rake of the windshield enhances the fast lines of the exterior.
   2. 5

      The steep side of a mountain etc.

      The steep side of a mountain etc.; a slope or acclivity.

      • 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
      • [L]ess scared, but not built for gazelle cavorting, so awkward on the steep that she had to take to hands and knees, and looked more like a monkey.
   3. 6

      To soak or wet thoroughly.

      • They steep skins in a tanning solution to create leather.
      • The tea is steeping.
      • A Greek historian Phylarchus describes a white root indigenous to India that caused eunuchism when a person bathed in water in which the root was steeped.
   4. 7

      To imbue with something

      To imbue with something; to be deeply immersed in.

      • a town steeped in history
      • The learned of the nation were steeped in Latin.
   5. 8

      To make tea (or other beverage) by placing leaves in hot water.

   6. 9

      A liquid used in a steeping process

      • Corn steep has many industrial uses.
   7. 10

      A rennet bag.

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