/ biːm; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a line of light, electric waves or particles :
narrow beams of light / sunlight
the beam of a torch / flashlight
a laser / electron beam
( BrE )
The car's headlights were on full beam (= shining as brightly as possible and not directed downwards) .
( NAmE )
a car with its high beams on
2.
a long piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support weight, especially as part of the roof in a building :
The cottage had exposed oak beams.
3.
( especially BrE ) ( NAmE usually ˈbalance beam ) a wooden bar that is used in the sport of gymnastics for people to move and balance on
4.
a wide and happy smile :
a beam of satisfaction
•
IDIOMS
- off beam
■ verb
1.
[ no passive ] beam (sth) (at sb) to have a big happy smile on your face :
[ v ]
He beamed at the journalists.
She was positively beaming with pleasure.
[ vn ]
The barman beamed a warm smile at her.
[ v speech ]
'I'd love to come,' she beamed (= said with a large smile) .
2.
[ vn + adv. / prep. ] to send radio or television signals over long distances using electronic equipment :
Live pictures of the ceremony were beamed around the world.
3.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] to produce a stream of light and/or heat :
The morning sun beamed down on us.
Light beamed through a hole in the curtain.
•
IDIOMS
see ear
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English bēam tree, beam , of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch boom and German Baum .