bead
1bead
noun \ˈbēd\Definition of BEAD
1
a obsolete : prayer —usually used in plural b plural : a series of prayers and meditations made with a rosary
2
: a small piece of material pierced for threading on a string or wire (as in a rosary)
4
: a small ball-shaped body: as a : a drop of sweat or blood b : a bubble formed in or on a beverage c : a small metal knob on a firearm used as a front sight d : a blob or a line of weld metal
5
: a projecting rim, band, or molding
6
: a precise knowledge or understanding —used in such phrases as get a bead on
Examples of BEAD
- Beads of sweat began rolling down their faces.
- <squeeze a bead or two of glue onto the seam>
Origin of BEAD
Middle English bede prayer, prayer bead, from Old English bed, gebed prayer; akin to Old English biddan to entreat, pray — more at bid
First Known Use: before 12th century
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Rhymes with BEAD
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