Beam - Definition

n 1: a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane
pilots in darkness or bad weather [syn: radio beam,
beam]
2: long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in
construction
3: a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation
[syn: beam, ray, electron beam]
4: a column of light (as from a beacon) [syn: beam, beam of
light, light beam, ray, ray of light, shaft, shaft
of light, irradiation]
5: (nautical) breadth amidships
6: the broad side of a ship; "they sighted land on the port
beam"
7: a gymnastic apparatus used by women gymnasts [syn: balance
beam, beam]
v 1: smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial
expression
2: emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light; "The sun
shone bright that day"; "The fire beamed on their faces"
[syn: shine, beam]
3: express with a beaming face or smile; "he beamed his
approval"
4: broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television; "We
cannot air this X-rated song" [syn: air, send,
broadcast, beam, transmit]
5: have a complexion with a strong bright color, such as red or
pink; "Her face glowed when she came out of the sauna" [syn:
glow, beam, radiate, shine]
6: experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good
health or an intense emotion; "She was beaming with joy";
"Her face radiated with happiness" [syn: glow, beam,
radiate, shine]