beam

¹beam

noun \ˈbēm\

Definition of BEAM

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

Examples of BEAM

1. a bright beam of light
2. We saw the beams from their flashlights.
3. the building's steel support beams

Origin of BEAM

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BEAM

Synonyms: shaft, ray

Related Words: moonbeam, sunbeam, sunburst; laser, spotlight

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Other Wood Production Terms

cord, lumber, punk

Rhymes with BEAM

bream, cream, deem, deme, dream, gleam, meme, neem, Nîmes, ream, scheme, scream, seam, seem, seme, steam, stream, team, teem, theme