What is a Bead?

bead

n.

1.

1. A small, often round piece of material, such as glass, plastic, or wood, that is pierced for stringing or threading.

2. beads A necklace made of such pieces.

3. beads Roman Catholic Church. A rosary.

4. Obsolete. A prayer. Often used in the plural.

2. A small, round object, especially:

1. A drop of moisture: beads of sweat.

2. A bubble of gas in a liquid.

3. A small metal knob on the muzzle of a firearm, such as a rifle, used for sighting.

3. A strip of material, usually wood, with one molded edge placed flush against the inner part of a door or window frame.

4. Architecture.

1. A decoration consisting of a usually continuous series of small spherical shapes, as on a convex molding.

2. Beading.

5. A projecting rim or lip, as on a pneumatic tire.

6. A line of continuously applied ductile material, such as solder or caulking compound.

7. Chemistry. A globule of fused borax or other flux used in a bead test.

tr. & intr.v., bead·ed, bead·ing, beads.

To furnish with or collect into beads.

idiom:

draw (or get) a bead on.

Source: Answers.com