beam

v. smile with joy; light up; radiate

n. ray of light; radio wave; broad smile; horizontal support or joist used in building frames; balance beam, gymnastic wooden bar on legs on which women gymnasts stand and perform balancing exercises; full width of a ship

Beam may refer to:Beam theory, Beam Theory a means of calculating the load-carrying and deflection characteristics of beams.Beam (nautical), the most extreme width (or breadth) of a nautical vessel, or a point alongside the ship at the mid-point of its lengthBeam (structure), a construction elementA narrow, propagating stream of particles or energy:Charged particle beamCathode ray, or "electron beam"Light or other Electromagnetic radiationThe output of a raygun in science fiction or The Active Denial System in science factBeam weapons from the Metroid seriesBeaming refers to travelling by way of a transporter on the Star Trek television series.Tractor beam, a hypothetical beam that pulls or pushes"On the beam", following a radio navigation beaconBeam (music), a connection line in musical notationBalance beam (gymnastics), a piece of gymnastics equipmentBEAM robotics, an automatically moving machine based on analog electronicsBeam Software, a computer game developerBEAM.TV, a global distribution network
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The word "beam" in BEAM robotics is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics. This is a term that refers to a style of robotics that primarily uses simple analog circuits instead of a microprocessor in order to produce an unusually simple design (in comparison to traditional mobile robots) that trades flexibility for robustness and efficiency in performing the task for which it was designed. Exceptions to the convention of using only analog electronics do exist and these are often colloquially referred to as "mutants".
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Beam, n a stream or approximately unidirectional emission of electromagnetic radiation or particles. [more]Beam - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides pilots in darkness or bad weather
(synonym) radio beam
(hypernym) signal, signaling, sign
(derivation) air, send, broadcast, transmit
2. long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction
(hypernym) structural member
(hyponym) box beam, box girder
3. a column of light (as from a beacon)
(synonym) beam of light, light beam, ray, ray of light, shaft, shaft of light, irradiation
(hypernym) light, visible light, visible radiation
(hyponym) heat ray
(derivation) shine
4. a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation
(synonym) ray, electron beam
(hypernym) electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic wave, nonparticulate radiation
(hyponym) cathode ray
5. (nautical) breadth amidships
(hypernym) width, breadth
(classification) ship
6. a gymnastic apparatus used by women gymnasts
(synonym) balance beam
(hypernym) gymnastic apparatus, exerciser
Verb
1. smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression
(hypernym) smile
2. emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light; "The sun shone bright that day"; "The fire beamed on their faces"
(synonym) shine
(hyponym) beat down
(derivation) beam of light, light beam, ray, ray of light, shaft, shaft of light, irradiation
3. express with a beaming face or smile; "he beamed his approval"
(hypernym) express, show, evince
4. broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television; "We cannot air this X-rated song"
(synonym) air, send, broadcast, transmit
(hypernym) publicize, publicise, air, bare
(hyponym) satellite
(cause) air
(derivation) radio beam
(classification) broadcast medium, broadcasting
5. especially of the complexion: show a strong bright color, such as red or pink; "Her face glowed when she came out of the sauna"
(synonym) glow, radiate, shine
(hypernym) look, appear, seem
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"
(synonym) glow, radiate, shine
(hypernym) feel, experience

(v. t.)
To send forth; to emit; -- followed ordinarily by forth; as, to beam forth light.
  

(v. i.)
To emit beams of light.
  

(n.)
The width of a vessel; as, one vessel is said to have more beam than another.
  

(n.)
The straight part or shank of an anchor.
  

(n.)
The principal stem or horn of a stag or other deer, which bears the antlers, or branches.
  

(n.)
The pole of a carriage.
  

(n.)
The main part of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it.
  

(n.)
The bar of a balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended.
  

(n.)
One of the principal horizontal timbers of a building or ship.
  

(n.)
One of the long feathers in the wing of a hawk; -- called also beam feather.
  

(n.)
Fig.: A ray; a gleam; as, a beam of comfort.
  

(n.)
Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.
  

(n.)
A ray or collection of parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body; as, a beam of light, or of heat.
  

(n.)
A heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft; -- called also working beam or walking beam.
  

(n.)
A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving; also, the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven; one being called the fore beam, the other the back beam.