beam
beam Lexical Profile
beam Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A ray or shaft of light, radiation, or particles emitted in a concentrated direction.
"A narrow beam of sunlight pierced through the dense canopy of the forest."
A long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above.
"The old farmhouse featured exposed oak beams across the living room ceiling."
A radiant, joyful smile.
"A broad beam of satisfaction spread across her face when she heard the good news."
The maximum width of a ship or boat at its widest point.
"The cargo vessel had a length of two hundred meters and a beam of thirty meters."
• verb
To smile radiantly and happily.
"The proud parents beamed as their daughter received her university diploma."
To shine brightly or emit light and warmth.
"The morning sun beamed down on the tranquil meadow."
To transmit a radio, television, or digital signal in a specified direction.
"The live concert was beamed via satellite to millions of viewers around the globe."
• Rhymes for beam
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'bēam', originally meaning a living tree, a piece of timber, or a pillar of light. It is cognate with German 'Baum' and Dutch 'boom', both meaning 'tree'.