bead

/bi:d/
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bead

A child strings colorful beads onto a thread.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A small, often round object with a hole for threading: A bead is typically a small, decorative piece made of materials like glass, wood, or plastic, pierced for stringing on a necklace or rosary.
    • A small, round drop of liquid: A bead can also refer to a small, spherical drop of a liquid, such as sweat or dew.
    • A rounded molding: In architecture and furniture, a bead is a small, convex, often cylindrical molding used for edging or decoration.
    • The front sight of a gun: In firearms, a bead is the small, round metallic post at the end of the barrel used for aiming.
  2. Verb:

    • To string together like beads: To thread or arrange objects in a line or series.
    • To decorate with beads: To sew or attach beads onto a surface as ornamentation.
    • To form into beads: For a liquid to gather into small, round drops.
Examples
  • Noun:

    • She wore a necklace of colorful glass beads.
    • Tiny beads of condensation formed on the cold glass.
    • The antique chair had an intricate wooden bead along the edge of the seat.
  • Verb:

    • The artisan beaded the necklace with great care.
    • She spent hours beading the intricate pattern onto the dress.
    • Sweat beaded on his forehead after the long run.
Advanced Usage
  • "To draw/take a bead on something/someone": To aim carefully at a target, either literally with a weapon or figuratively with focused attention.

    • The sniper drew a bead on the target.
    • The company is taking a bead on the emerging market.
  • "To tell/count one's beads": To say prayers using a rosary; to pray.

    • The old woman sat quietly, telling her beads.
Variants and Related Words
  • Beading (n): 1. The craft or process of attaching beads. 2. A decoration or trim made of beads. 3. A beaded molding.

    • The beading on her gown was exquisite.
  • Beady (adj): 1. Small, round, and gleaming like a bead (often describing eyes). 2. Covered with or consisting of beads.

    • The bird watched us with beady black eyes.
  • Beadwork (n): Ornamental work done with beads.

    • The museum displayed traditional Native American beadwork.
Synonyms
  • Noun (for a small object): Pellet, ball, sphere, globule.
  • Noun (for a drop): Droplet, drop, globule.
  • Verb (to form drops): Globule, form droplets, condense.
Related Phrases
  • Bead curtain: A curtain made of strings of beads hanging close together.
    • The bead curtain rattled as she walked through it.
Idioms
  • "To have/get a bead on something": To have a clear understanding, idea, or fix on something.
    • After reviewing the data, we finally have a bead on the source of the problem.
bead

A child strings colorful beads onto a thread.

Noun
  1. a beaded molding for edging or decorating furniture
  2. a shape that is spherical and small
    • he studied the shapes of low-viscosity drops
    • beads of sweat on his forehead
  3. a small ball with a hole through the middle
Verb
  1. string together like beads
  2. decorate by sewing beads onto
    • bead the wedding gown
  3. form into beads, as of water or sweat, for example