Beams
/biːmz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA long, strong piece of wood, metal, or other material, used as a structural support.
/biːm/
A long, thick piece of wood or metal.
The house was supported by large, wooden beams.
💡 Simply: A long, strong piece of wood or metal.
More Examples
A beam of sunlight lit up the room.
How It's Used
"The roof beams were made of sturdy oak."
"A beam of light shone through the window."
To smile broadly and happily.
/biːm/
To smile radiantly.
He beamed at the crowd.
💡 Simply: To smile really happily.
More Examples
Her face beamed with joy.
How It's Used
"She beamed with pride at her daughter's graduation."
From Old English *beam, meaning 'tree', 'timber'. The modern meanings developed from the original sense of a long, strong piece of wood.
The word 'beam' has been used in construction contexts since Old English. Its usage to describe a smile is a later development.
Memory tip
Think of a strong, long BEAM supporting a roof.
Word Origin
"tree, timber"