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light beam

light beam

4 2.2
A narrow column of light that you can see in the air
  • noun
  • /laɪt biːm/
translation icon : haz de luz
  • The laser pointed directly at the wall created a sharp light beam that illuminated a narrow line.

It's just one consistent light, but it actually consists of a ton of light beams, individual light beams.

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Examples

  • The light beam clicks on, playing over their faces and analyzing their features.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Suddenly, a light beam above the video screen illuminates Nick's face.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • One is the light beam as seen from the outside.

  • So notice that that this device here is the little device that has a light beam going through the center.

  • The boy opens his hand to receive the light beam.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Vary the distance for coverage and exposure; move the light beam along the target area for even coverage.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The Cat's Cradle of light suddenly sends out a light beam into the space behind it.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • As the sun set, a stunning light beam shone through the window, casting patterns on the floor.

  • The magician used a light beam to create a dazzling effect during the performance.

Synonyms

ray
vslight beam
327 1.0

A narrow line of light like a sunbeam

is about a visible column rather than general energy lines
beam
vslight beam
  • Specialized
275 3.4

A line of light that shines from one place to another

is the visible air column sense rather than broad radiation types
shaft
vslight beam
15 5.0

A narrow beam of light that falls in a straight line

is the visible column concept without implying a falling image
beam of light
vslight beam
12 2.5

A narrow line of light from a lamp or the sun

is the common everyday wording for that same visible column
shaft of light
vslight beam
4 3.5

A narrow beam of light that shines through an opening and lights a small area

is the general term not focused on openings or direction
ray of light
vslight beam
2 2.0

A narrow beam of light you can see shining through darkness

names the same visible column but in broader everyday use

Antonyms

534 1.0

A time or place with almost no light

How Narrow

ray
327 1.0
light beam
4 2.2
glow
119 1.0

Surface Forms

light beam singular
light beams plural

Morphology

light + beam

The meaning 'a narrow column of light' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'light' (electromagnetic brightness) with 'beam' (a directed shaft or line); 'beam' already denotes a shaft, so the compound straightforwardly refers to that shaft of light. This noun-noun composition is cross-linguistically common (e.g., Spanish 'rayo de luz', French 'rayon de lumière') and would be immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The noun light beam comes from the image of a straight, strong beam like a wooden bar shining with light. Imagine a narrow bar of light cutting through dark air, and that's why light beam means 'a narrow column of light' today.