beam

Universal Words 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 approaching car's headlights were on full beam (= shining as brightly as possible and not directed downwards). * (AmE) 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 an original fireplace and exposed oak beams. 3 (especially BrE) (AmE usually the balance beam) a wooden bar that is used in the sport of GYMNASTICS for people to move and balance on: The gymnast performed a somersault on the beam. 4 a wide and happy smile: a beam of satisfaction IDIOMS off beam (informal) not correct; wrong: Your calculation is way off beam. verb 1 [nopassive] ~ (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. * His broad face beamed a hearty welcome. * [Vspeech] '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 ray of light and/or heat: The morning sun beamed down on us. * Light beamed through a hole in the curtain. IDIOMS see EAR