beam

US /biːm/
UK /biːm/
"beam" picture
1.

a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above

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The old house had exposed wooden beams.
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Steel beams were used to construct the skyscraper.
:
girderjoistraftersupportbar
2.

a ray or shaft of light

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A beam of sunlight pierced through the clouds.
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The lighthouse sent out a powerful beam across the sea.
:
rayshaftstreamgleamflash
1.

to shine brightly, especially in a way that suggests happiness or optimism

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She couldn't help but beam when she saw her son.
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The proud parents beamed at their daughter's graduation.
:
smilegrinradiateglowshine
2.

to transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a particular direction

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The satellite will beam data back to Earth.
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They plan to beam the concert live to millions of viewers.
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transmitbroadcastsendradiateproject
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beaminghigh beamslow beamsbalance beam