sunbeam
sunbeam Lexical Profile
sunbeam Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A visible ray or shaft of sunlight, especially one shining through an opening or break in the clouds.
"A golden sunbeam filtered through the dense forest canopy and illuminated the mossy ground below."
Any of several large, high-altitude South American hummingbirds of the genus Aglaeactis (family Trochilidae), inhabiting Andean cloud forests and characterized by brilliant, iridescent rump plumage that flashes brightly in the sun.
"While birdwatching high in the Peruvian Andes, we spotted a shining sunbeam perched near a cluster of mountain wildflowers."
Any of various butterflies of the genus Curetis (family Lycaenidae), native to tropical and subtropical Asia and distinguished by brilliant orange or red upper wings contrasted with silvery-white undersides.
"The entomologist photographed an angled sunbeam resting on a leaf with its silvery underside wings folded together."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'sunbeam', a compound formed from 'sunne' (sun) and 'beam' (tree, beam, or ray of light).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.