vaporous
UK: ˈveɪpərəs | US: ˈveɪpərəs
adj. consisting of or resembling vapor; gaseous
adj. lacking substance or clarity; vague or insubstantial
adj. producing or emitting vapor
The word "vaporous" derives from the Latin vapor (steam, heat, exhalation), which entered English via Old French vapeur. The suffix -ous (from Latin -osus) denotes "full of" or "having the quality of." Thus, "vaporous" literally means "full of vapor" or "having the characteristics of vapor." Over time, it also acquired figurative meanings like "insubstantial" or "unclear," reflecting the intangible nature of vapor.
The morning fog was so vaporous that it obscured the entire valley.
Her argument was vaporous, lacking any solid evidence.
The chemist observed the vaporous substance rising from the heated liquid.
The artist captured the vaporous glow of the sunset in her painting.
His promises turned out to be as vaporous as mist in the wind.