Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪpəz] (IPA) 
Vapours, also spelled as vapors, is a common word that refers to the gas-like substances or fumes that arise from liquids or solids. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈveɪpərz/, where the symbol "v" is pronounced as /v/, "a" as /eɪ/, "p" as /p/, "ou" as /ə/ and "r" as /r/ with a reduced vowel. The "s" at the end is silent in the British English pronunciation while it is pronounced as /z/ in American English.
Vapours, also spelled as "vapors," is a plural noun that refers to the gaseous form of a substance. It is commonly used in reference to the release or emission of fine particles or droplets in the air that can be dispersed into the atmosphere. These particles or droplets are generally created through processes such as evaporation, sublimation, or by heating a liquid or solid to a gaseous state.
The term "vapours" can also describe various gas-like substances, typically ones that have a strong or distinctive smell. These may include fumes, mists, or aerosols that are formed from volatile compounds or chemical reactions. The vapours can be produced naturally or artificially, and they may have a wide range of properties and effects depending on the specific substance involved.
In a more figurative sense, the term "vapours" can be associated with a general state of being light-headed, dreamy, or overwhelmed. This usage of the term stems from the historical belief that such states were caused by the inhalation of vaporous substances, leading to a clouding of the mind or altered perception.
Overall, vapours primarily refers to the gaseous form of substances, but it can also encompass a variety of related meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used.
A disease characterised by nervous weakness and depression of spirits, in which a variety of strange images float in the brain or appear as visible; hysteria.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vapours" originated from the Latin term "vaporem", which means "steam" or "vapor". In medieval Latin, it evolved into "vapore", which continued to imply steam or exhaled breath. From there, it transitioned into Old French as "vapour", still retaining its original meaning. Eventually, the Anglo-Norman version of the word made its way into Middle English, where it took on the form "vapours". In this context, "vapours" initially referred to exhalations or fumes in general. Later, the term became associated with a specific physical condition, often described as a state of melancholy or hysteria, characterized by lightheadedness, irritability, and sometimes fainting.
