beam

[[t]bim[/t]]

n.

1) bui any of various relatively long pieces of metal, wood, etc., used esp. as rigid members or parts of structures or machines

2) bui a horizontal bearing member, as a joist or lintel, or a transverse supporting structural member on a ship

3) naut. navig. the extreme width of a ship

4) sts Slang. the measure across both hips or buttocks

5) mac

a) (in a loom) a roller or cylinder on which the warp is wound before weaving

b) a similar cylinder on which cloth is wound as it is woven

6) wam the crossbar of a balance from which the scales or pans are suspended

7) elo a ray or stream of light or other radiation, as gamma rays, electrons, or subatomic particles

8) opt a group of nearly parallel rays

9) rtv a radio signal transmitted along a narrow course, used to guide pilots

10) a radiant smile

11) mam the principal stem of the antler of a deer

12) to emit in or as if in beams or rays

13) rtv to transmit (a radio or television signal) in a particular direction

14) rtv sbz to direct (a radio or television program, commercial message, etc.) to a predetermined audience

15) phs opt to emit beams, as of light

16) to smile radiantly or happily

•

- on the beam

Etymology: bef. 900; ME beem, OE bēam tree, post, ray of light, c. OFris bām, OHG boum, ON bathmr