beam: meaning and definitions

A squared-off log or a large, oblong piece of timber, metal, or stone used especially as a horizontal support in construction.

Nautical A transverse structural member of a ship's frame, used to support a deck and to brace the sides against stress.

Nautical The breadth of a ship at the widest point.

Nautical The side of a ship: sighted land off the starboard beam.

Informal The widest part of a person's hips: broad in the beam.

A steel tube or wooden roller on which the warp is wound in a loom.

An oscillating lever connected to an engine piston rod and used to transmit power to the crankshaft.

The bar of a balance from which weighing pans are suspended.

Sports A balance beam.

The main horizontal bar on a plow to which the share, colter, and handles are attached.

One of the main stems of a deer's antlers.

A ray or shaft of light.

A concentrated stream of particles or a similar propagation of waves: a beam of protons; a beam of light.

A radio beam.

To radiate light; shine.

To smile expansively.

To emit or transmit: beam a message via satellite.

To express by means of a radiant smile: He beamed his approval of the new idea.

on the beam Following a radio beam. Used of aircraft.

on the beam On the right track; operating correctly.