bead

1. (n) A small, round object with a hole to allow it to be threaded on a cord or wire, particularly for decorative purposes. 2. (n) A small, round object. 3. (n) Each in a string of small balls making up the rosary or paternoster. 4. (n) A small drop of water or other liquid. 5. (n) Various small, round solid objects. 6. (n) A bubble, in spirits. 7. (n) A small, round ball at the end of a barrel of a gun used for aiming. 8. (n) A rigid edge of a tire that mounts it on a wheel; tire bead. 9. (v) (woodworking) (intransitive) To form into a bead. 10. (v) (transitive) To apply beads to. 11. (v) (transitive) To form into a bead. 12. (v) (transitive) To cause beads to form on (something). 13. (n) (architecture) A narrow molding with semicircular section. 14. (n) (physical chemistry, dated) A glassy drop of molten flux, as borax or microcosmic salt, used as a solvent and color test for several mineral earths and oxides, as of iron, manganese, etc., before the blowpipe. 15. (n) (by extension) Knowledge sufficient to direct one's activities to a purpose. 16. (n) A ridge, band, or molding. 17. (n) (archaic) Prayer, later especially with a rosary. 18. (n) Acronym of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment.