bead

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a small drop of liquid on a surface.

n. a small, globular drop of liquid, such as sweat or dew, adhering to a surface.

“Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead during the long race.”

“Tiny beads of condensation formed on the exterior of the chilled glass as soon as it was brought into the humid garden.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Architecture Technical

n. a narrow, rounded piece of wood or metal used as a decoration on an edge.

n. a decorative, convex, rounded profile or moulding, often a half-circle, used to finish an edge or joint.

“The carpenter added a wooden bead to the edge of the shelf to make it look finished.”

“The restoration team meticulously recreated the original plaster bead along the ceiling's perimeter to maintain the room's Victorian character.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Religion

n. one of the small balls on a string used for counting prayers.

n. each of the small balls making up a rosary, used for keeping count of prayers.

“The monk moved his fingers from one bead to the next as he prayed.”

“She held the heirloom rosary tightly, her thumb resting on a smooth silver bead as she recited the familiar verses.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to form into small, round drops.

v. to form into or collect in the shape of beads or droplets.

“Rain started to bead on the surface of the newly waxed car.”

“The morning mist began to bead on the spider's web, creating a shimmering pattern in the early light.”