beam

Syllabification: (beam)

Pronunciation: /bēm/

Definition of beam

1a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above.
another term for balance beam.
a horizontal piece of squared timber or metal supporting the deck and joining the sides of a ship.
Nautical the direction of an object visible from the port or starboard side of a ship when it is perpendicular to the center line of the vessel:there was land in sight on the port beam
a ship’s breadth at its widest point:a cutter with a beam of 16 feet
[in singular] informal the width of a person’s hips:notice how broad in the beam she’s getting?
the main stem of a stag’s antler.
the crossbar of a balance.
(especially in a stationary steam engine) an oscillating shaft through which the vertical piston movement is transmitted to the crank or pump.
historical the main timber of a horse-drawn plow.

2a ray or shaft of light:a beam of light flashed in front of her the flashlight beam dimmed perceptibly
a directional flow of particles or radiation:beams of electrons
a series of radio or radar signals emitted to serve as a navigational guide for ships or aircraft.

3 [in singular] a radiant or good-natured look or smile:a beam of satisfaction

1 [with object] transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction:beaming a distress signal into space [no object]:the TV station begins beaming into homes in the new year
(beam someone up/down) (in science fiction) transport someone instantaneously to another place, especially to or from a spaceship:Scotty, beam me up!
[phrase from the television series Star Trek]

2 [no object] (of a light or light source) shine brightly:the sun’s rays beamed down

3 [no object] smile radiantly:she beamed with pleasure (as adjective beaming)a beaming smile
[with object] express (an emotion) with a radiant smile:the teacher beamed her approval [with direct speech]:“Isn’t that wonderful, Beatrice?” beamed the nun

4 (beamed) construct a ceiling with exposed beams:vaulted beamed ceilings in the family room

Phrases

a beam in one's eye: a fault that is greater in oneself than in the person one is finding fault with.
[with biblical allusion to Matt. 7:3]
off (or way off) beam: informal on the wrong track; mistaken:you’re way off beam on this one
on the beam: informal on the right track.
on her (or its) beam-ends: (of a ship) heeled over on its side; almost capsized.

Old English bēam 'tree, beam'; related to Dutch boom and German Baum

Definition of beam in the British & World English dictionary