beam

B2
Pronunciation
/biːm/
Noun
15 definition(s)
1 Definition

Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.

2 Definition

One of the principal horizontal timbers of a building; one of the transverse members of a ship's frame on which the decks are laid — supported at the sides by knees in wooden ships and by stringers in steel ones.

3 Definition

The maximum width of a vessel (note that a vessel with a beam of 15 foot can also be said to be 15 foot abeam)

Synonyms
breadth
Example Sentences
  • This ship has more beam than that one.
4 Definition

The crossbar of a mechanical balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.

5 Definition

The principal stem of the antler of a deer.

6 Definition

The pole of a carriage or chariot.

7 Definition

A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving and the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven.

8 Definition

The straight part or shank of an anchor.

9 Definition

The central bar of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.

10 Definition

In steam engines, a heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft.

Synonyms
walking beam working beam
11 Definition

A ray or collection of approximately parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body.

Example Sentences
  • a beam of energy
12 Definition

A ray; a gleam.

Example Sentences
  • a beam of hope, or of comfort
13 Definition

One of the long feathers in the wing of a hawk.

Synonyms
beam feather
14 Definition

A horizontal bar which connects the stems of two or more notes to group them and to indicate metric value.

15 Definition

An elevated rectangular dirt pile used to cheaply build an elevated portion of a railway.

Verb
8 definition(s)
1 Definition

To emit beams of light; shine; radiate.

Example Sentences
  • to beam forth light
2 Definition

To smile broadly or especially cheerfully.

3 Definition

To furnish or supply with beams

4 Definition

To give the appearance of beams to.

5 Definition

To transmit matter or information via a high-tech wireless mechanism.

Example Sentences
  • Beam me up, Scotty; there's no intelligent life down here.
6 Definition

(currying) To stretch something (for example an animal hide) on a beam.

7 Definition

To put (something) on a beam

8 Definition

To connect (musical notes) with a beam, or thick line, in music notation.