beam
Plural
beams
1
a long bar of iron or metal that supports the weight of a building
A beam is a long, horizontal structural element made from materials such as iron, steel, or concrete, designed to support and distribute the weight of a building or other structures. Beams are critical in carrying loads from above, such as floors, roofs, and other components, and transferring that weight to columns or walls. They can vary in size and shape, depending on the requirements of the design and the loads they need to support. By providing stability and strength, beams play a vital role in ensuring the safety and durability of a building.
- The construction workers carefully lifted the steel beam into place, securing it to the framework of the building.
- The ancient castle's stone beams had withstood centuries of wear and tear, a testament to their durability.
- Engineers inspected the support beams of the bridge, ensuring they could withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions.
- Sunlight streamed through the skylight, illuminating the wooden beams of the rustic farmhouse.
- The architect designed the modern office space with exposed ceiling beams, giving it an industrial-chic aesthetic.
2
a broad, radiant smile showing joy or pleasure
- She greeted him with a beam of pure happiness.
- His face broke into a proud beam.
- The child's beam lit up the room.
- She wore a beam after hearing the good news.
- His beam faded when he saw the results.
3
a horizontal line used in musical notation to connect two or more adjacent notes of the same value, indicating that they should be played as a single, continuous sound
In music notation, a beam is a horizontal or slanted line that connects the stems of multiple noteheads. Beams are used to group together shorter note values, such as eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and shorter, into a cohesive rhythmic unit. For example, a beam might connect a series of eighth notes or sixteenth notes to show that they are part of the same beat or subdivision. Beams help clarify the rhythm and make it easier to read and interpret the notes in a passage.
- The eighth notes were joined by a single beam.
- The composer used beams to group the melody's rhythm.
- She learned how to draw beams in her music theory class.
- The beam connected the notes in the run.
- Beams make complex rhythms easier to read.
4
a narrow, directed signal, such as a radio or radar beam, used to guide aircraft or ships, especially in poor visibility
- The pilot followed the landing beam to the runway.
- A radio beam guided the plane through the fog.
- The ship picked up the lighthouse's guiding beam.
- The beam kept the aircraft on course at night.
- They relied on the beam during the storm.
Synonyms:
5
a directed shaft of light, typically emanating from a source like a beacon
- The lighthouse sent out a bright beam that guided ships safely to shore.
- She stood under the moonlight, bathed in the beam from the streetlamp.
- The beam of the searchlight swept across the dark waters, looking for signs of life.
- The sun's beam filtered through the trees, creating patterns on the ground.
- He could see the dust particles dancing in the beam of the projector.
6
a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation, such as light or radio waves
- A beam of X-rays passed through the sample.
- The radio telescope detected a narrow beam from the distant pulsar.
- Sunlight streamed through the window in a golden beam.
- The flashlight's beam illuminated the path.
- The satellite transmits data via a focused beam.
Synonyms:
7
a narrow, elevated equipment typically covered in padded material, used by gymnasts for performing balance routines and acrobatic skills
A beam is a narrow, horizontal platform used in gymnastics for balancing exercises. It is usually made of wood or a composite material and is raised above the floor to add a challenge. Gymnasts perform routines on the beam that include leaps, turns, and flips while maintaining balance and control. The beam requires strength, precision, and focus, making it an important piece of equipment in gymnastics training and competition.
- During practice, she focused on perfecting her balance and precision on the beam.
- The beam's padded surface provides cushioning for landings and support during routines.
- At the gymnastics studio, young gymnasts learn fundamental skills on the low beam.
- She walked confidently across the length of the beam, demonstrating her control.
- The beam's height and width are standardized for competitive gymnastics events.
Synonyms:
8
the widest part of a ship's side, viewed from above or across
- The lifeboats were stored along the beam.
- Waves crashed against the ship's beam.
- The beam was reinforced for stability.
- The cargo was loaded from the beam side.
- The beam took the brunt of the impact.
9
the width of a vessel at its widest point
- The vessel has a beam of 12 meters.
- Ship stability depends on the beam amidships.
- The yacht's beam affects interior space.
- A narrow beam can increase speed but reduce stability.
- The surveyor measured the ship's beam amidships.