26984 words

beams

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

Examples:

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.
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:

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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