steam bath

a bath of steam, usually in a specially equipped room or enclosure, for cleansing or refreshing oneself.

a special room or enclosure, or an establishment containing it, for such a bath.

a bath of steam used in laboratories for sterilizing equipment, utensils, etc.

Origin of steam bath

First recorded in 1820–30

The steam-bath is used as a remedy in all kinds of disorders.

Early Western Travels, 1748-1846, v. 23 |Various
For a moment that transition from personal warmth to diplomatic coolness is as the Russian plunge from steam-bath to snow-heap.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 51, January, 1862 |Various
In case of extreme fatigue, a steam-bath or a hot-water bath immediately followed by a cold bath will be found very effective.

A Guide to Health |Mahatma Gandhi
In town and country it is held to be a religious duty to take a steam-bath once a week.

Russian Life To-day |Right Rev. Herbert Bury

In the station itself it is light and as hot as a steam-bath.

The Schoolmistress and Other Stories |Anton Chekhov

steam bath

a room or enclosure that can be filled with steam in which people bathe to induce sweating and refresh or cleanse themselves

an act of taking such a bath

an enclosure through which steam can be passed continuously, used in laboratories for sterilizing equipment, maintaining a constant temperature, etc