Beam Word Meaning

Old English bēam ‘tree, beam’, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch boom and German Baum

a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used to support the roof or floor of a building

long supporting structure

• there are very fine oak beams in the oldest part of the house
• the cottage boasts a wealth of exposed beams

a ray or shaft of light

ray of light

• a beam of light flashed in front of her
• the torch beam dimmed perceptibly

a radiant or good-natured look or smile

radiant smile

• a beam of satisfaction

transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction

transmit signal

• the satellite beamed back radio signals to scientists on Earth

(of a light or light source) shine brightly

shine brightly

• the sun's rays beamed down

smile radiantly

smile

• she beamed with pleasure