■ noun
1》 a long sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used horizontally in building to support a load above.
↘a narrow horizontal length of squared timber used for balancing exercises in gymnastics.
2》 a horizontal ~ supporting the deck and joining the sides of a ship.
↘the direction of an object visible from the side of a ship when it is perpendicular to the centre line of the vessel: there was land in sight on the port ~.
↘a ship's breadth at its widest point.
3》 a ray or shaft of light.
↘a directional flow of particles or radiation.
↘a series of radio or radar signals emitted as a navigational guide.
4》 a radiant smile.
5》 the crossbar of a balance.
6》 an oscillating shaft in a ~ engine.
7》 the shank of an anchor.
■ verb
1》 transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction.
2》 shine brightly.
3》 smile radiantly.
Phrases
a ~ in one's eye a fault that is greater in oneself than in the person one is finding fault with. [with biblical allusion to Matt. 7:3.]
off ~ informal on the wrong track.
on her (or its ) ~ ends (of a ship) heeled over on its side.
Origin
OE bēam 'tree, ~', of W. Gmc origin.