Main Entry: ¹beam

Pronunciation: \ˈbēm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English beem, from Old English bēam tree, beam; akin to Old High German boum tree

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a long piece of heavy often squared timber suitable for use in construction b : a wood or metal cylinder in a loom on which the warp is wound c : the part of a plow to which handles, standard, and coulter are attached d : the bar of a balance from which scales hang e : one of the principal horizontal supporting members (as of a building or ship) <a steel beam supporting a floor>; also : boom, spar <the beam of a crane> f : the extreme width of a ship at the widest part g : an oscillating lever on a central axis receiving motion at one end from an engine connecting rod and transmitting it at the other
2 a : a ray or shaft of light b : a collection of nearly parallel rays (as X rays) or a stream of particles (as electrons) c : a constant directional radio signal transmitted for the guidance of pilots; also : the course indicated by a radio beam
3 : the main stem of a deer's antler
4 : the width of the buttocks

— on the beam 1 : following a guiding beam
2 : proceeding or operating correctly