noun / verb
beam
A concentrated stream of light or other energy.
A narrow beam of sunlight crosses the otherwise dark room.
Etymology
The Old English word could name both a solid beam and a ray of light. The energy sense preserves the idea of a long, directed extension through space.
In context
Inside that beam, particles scatter light in all directions.
More examples
- She beams with delight when she sees the finished painting.
- The antenna beams a signal toward the satellite.
- The projector's beam reaches the screen at the far wall.
Forms
beam · beams · beamed · beaming
Similar words
- ray
- Usually suggests a thin line of light rather than a concentrated stream.
- broadcast
- Can transmit widely rather than toward a particular destination.