26984 words

beam

10 definitions • 21 examples
1
a line of light that shines from a bright object:

Examples:

beam of light The lighthouse cast a beam of light across the bay.
We could just pick out the trail in the weak beam of the flashlight.
The rabbit stopped, mesmerized by the beam of the car's headlights.
2
a line of radiation or particles flowing in one direction:

Examples:

laser beam A red laser beam was used to scan the bar code on the package.
electron beam an electron beam
3
a long, thick piece of wood, metal, or concrete, especially used to support weight in a building or other structure:

Examples:

The sitting room had exposed wooden beams.
4
in the sport of women's gymnastics, a wooden bar on which the competitors balance and perform movements, or the competition that involves this bar:

Examples:

She had to start with her two weakest events: the beam and the uneven bars.
on the beam She has excellent balance and excels on the beam.
She opened with a perfect 10 on the beam.
A pulled hamstring meant she had to give up her spot on the beam to a teammate.
beam routine The new women's all-round gymnastics champion has an incredible beam routine.
5

Examples:

She beamed with delight/pleasure at his remarks.
The child beamed at his teacher as he received the award.
[ + speech ] "I'm so pleased to see you," he beamed (= said as he smiled).
6
to send out a beam of light, an electrical or radio signal, etc.:

Examples:

beam down The sun beamed (= shone brightly) down on the boat as it drifted along.
The concert was beamed (= broadcast) by satellite all over the world.
7
a line of light coming from the sun or a bright light, esp. as seen against a darker background:

Examples:

a beam of sunlight
A laser beam scans the disc’s surface.
8
a long, thick piece of wood, metal, or concrete, esp. one used to support weight in a building or other structure
9
to send out a line of light:

Examples:

[ I ] The sun beamed down on the ball field.
10

Examples:

His face beamed as if he’d won a gold medal at the Olympics.

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