sunbeam

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English sonnebeem, sonne beem, from Old English sunnbēam, sunnebēam (“sunbeam”), equivalent to sun +‎ beam. === Pronunciation === === Noun === sunbeam (plural sunbeams) A ray of sunlight; especially, a visible, narrow, and intense (relative to ambient light) ray of sunlight (as revealed by, for example, its diffraction among dust particles). Hypernyms: beam, ray, shaft Coordinate terms: moonbeam, starbeam Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Curetis. Hypernyms: lycaenid < butterfly < insect < invertebrate < animal < creature Coordinate term: moonbeam Any hummingbird of the genus Aglaeactis. Hypernyms: hummingbird < bird < animal < creature Coordinate term: carib (UK) Synonym of sunshine (“ironic form of address to an inferior or troublemaker”). 1987, Doctor Who (TV series), Paradise Towers (aired 5 October) DOCTOR: You seem to be our best bet so far, don't you think so, Mel? Mel? Where's Mel?DEPUTY: No, no, no, sunbeam. You're coming with us. (Australia, colloquial, dated) An item of cutlery or crockery laid out on a table, but not used, and which can be returned to the drawer without being washed. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== sunbeamed ==== Translations ==== === References ===