(architecture) A narrow molding with semicircular section.
(by extension) Knowledge sufficient to direct one's activities to a purpose.
(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.
A bubble, in spirits.
A rigid edge of a tire that mounts it on a wheel; tire bead.
A small drop of water or other liquid.
A small, round ball at the end of a barrel of a gun used for aiming.
A small, round object with a hole to allow it to be threaded on a cord or wire, particularly for decorative purposes.
Each in a string of small balls making up the rosary or paternoster.
Various small, round solid objects.
verb
(intransitive) To form into a bead.
(transitive) To apply beads to.
(transitive) To cause beads to form on (something).