bead in English
- bead⇄adj. beadlike.
- bead⇄bead, noun, verb.
- bead⇄expr. beads,
a. a string of beads.
Ex. She dropped her beads, and several pearls were lost.
b. a string of beads for keeping count in saying prayers; rosary.
Ex. [The] beads [are] so put together that every set of ten smaller on - bead⇄expr. draw (or take) a bead on, to aim a gun at; take aim at.
Ex. (Figurative.) Columnist Art Buchwald ... drew a bead last week on a familiar target: [the] White House news secretary (Newsweek). - bead⇄expr. say (or tell or count) one's beads, to say prayers, using a rosary.
Ex. All the people said their beads in a general silence (Gilbert Burnet). - bead⇄noun 1. a small ball or bit of glass, metal, plastic, or other material, with a hole through it, so that it can be strung on a thread with others like it to form a necklace or bracelet, or sewn on various fabrics as ornaments.
Ex. The Indian belt w - bead⇄v.i. to form a bead or beads (used especially of liquids).
Ex. Eight to ten drops of this chemical per gallon of spray keep it from ""beading"" and help it to spread out in an even film (New York Times). - bead⇄v.t. 1a. to put or form beads on.
Ex. His forehead was beaded with sweat.
b. to ornament with beads.
2. to string like beads.
Ex. (Figurative.) The lights of houses beaded the shore.
bead in Sindhi سنڌي
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Bead
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/biːd/
Definitions
- A small, typically round object made of glass, plastic, or other materials, often used in jewelry making or as decorative elements.
- A small, rounded piece of material used in various forms of decoration, often strung together to create patterns or designs.
- A single unit in a series of small objects used for counting or measuring (e.g., on an abacus).
- A drop of liquid or other substance, especially when it forms a small, round shape, like a bead of water on a surface.
Usage Examples
- She made a necklace from colorful beads.
- The rain left beads of water on the leaves.
- The artisan threaded the beads onto a string to create a bracelet.
- In ancient times, beads were often used as currency or for ceremonial purposes.
Etymology
The word "bead" originates from the Old English word "bede," which means a prayer or petition. The term was likely used to refer to prayer beads used in religious practices, particularly in Christianity, where beads were used for counting prayers. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any small, decorative object.
Synonyms
- Pearl
- Trinket
- Gem
- Charm
- Button
Antonyms
- Chunk
- Block
- Mass
- Object
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Bead | /biːd/ |
| Spanish | Perla | /ˈpeɾla/ |
| French | Perle | /pɛʁl/ |
| German | Perle | /ˈpɛʁlə/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 珠子 (Zhūzi) | /ʈʂu˥.tsɨ/ |
| Japanese | ビーズ (Bīzu) | /biːzu/ |
| Arabic | خرزة (Kharza) | /xarza/ |
| Hindi | मोतियां (Motiyaan) | /moːt̪iː.ɑːn/ |
| Russian | Бусина (Busina) | /ˈbʊsʲɪnə/ |
| Italian | Perla | /ˈpɛrla/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In different English dialects, the pronunciation of "bead" may vary slightly. In some regional accents, such as certain British or Australian accents, the vowel may sound shorter or more clipped, while in American English, it is often pronounced with a clearer, longer "ee" sound.
Historical Usage
Beads have been used for thousands of years across various cultures. In ancient times, beads were used as a form of currency, as personal adornment, or in religious rituals. The use of beads as a decorative element in jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt, and they remain a staple in modern craft and fashion industries.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, beads hold symbolic meanings. For example, in Native American cultures, beadwork is often used to represent cultural identity, spirituality, or tribal affiliations. In Christianity, prayer beads are used in meditation and prayer, with the most well-known being the Rosary. Additionally, beads are a central element in jewelry traditions worldwide, from African beadwork to South Asian bangles and necklaces.
More Information
Beads are still widely used today in various contexts, from traditional cultural practices to modern fashion trends. In addition to their use in jewelry making, beads have become important components of embroidery, home décor, and even in technology, such as in the form of tactile switches and electronic components. The evolution of bead materials—from natural stones and metals to plastics and glass—reflects both technological advancement and changing aesthetic preferences.