Synonyms for beam

noun

1. A relatively long, stout bar

   timber, brace, rafter, stringer, stud, two-by-four, scantling, strut, bolster, axle, reach, girder, sleeper, stay, crosspiece, prop, support, trestle, spar, transverse, pole, lath, furring strip, pile, balk, crossbar, T-beam, I-beam, steel beam, boom, post, kingpost, column, pillar, piling, stanchion, flitches, hammer beam, bail, joist, lintel, sill, jamb, cantilever, shaft, scaffolding, board, plank.

2. A ray or rays

   ray, emission, shaft, bar, sparkle, twinkle, flicker, streak, laser, pencil, glitter, glare, stream of light, shimmer, glint, glow, chink, gleam, glimmer, finger, beacon.

3. Radio waves intended as a guide

   direction finder, unidirectional radio signal, radar; see beacon.

off the beam*

on the beam*

verb

1. To emit

   transmit, broadcast, give out, direct; see broadcast 2, radiate 1, send 4.

2. To shine

   radiate, glitter, gleam; see radiate 2, shine 1.

3. To smile

   grin, laugh, smile radiantly, glow; see smile.