Definition and Etymology of Abeam

1. Definition

What is, Concept or Meaning

adv. On the beam: When something is described as being “abeam,” it means that it is positioned on the beam, which is a horizontal line that runs perpendicular to the centerline of a ship or aircraft. The beam of a ship or aircraft is used as a reference point for determining the direction and position of the vessel.

To the side of something: In a more general sense, “abeam” can also be used to describe something that is positioned to the side of something else. For example, if someone is standing abeam a door, it means that they are standing to the side of the door rather than in front of it or behind it.

2. Etymology of abeam

The word “abeam” is a compound word that is formed from the prefix “a-” and the noun “beam.” The prefix “a-” is a Latin preposition that means “on” or “at,” and the noun “beam” is derived from the Old English word “beam,” which means “tree” or “beam of a ship.” When combined, the prefix “a-” and the noun “beam” literally mean “on the beam.” The word “abeam” has been used in English to describe something that is positioned on the beam of a ship or aircraft since the early 17th century. In a more general sense, “abeam” has been used to describe something that is positioned to the side of something else since the 19th century.

3. Uses and Applications

Abeam is primarily used to describe the position of something relative to the beam of a ship or aircraft. It is often used in the context of navigation, where it is used to describe the direction and position of a vessel. In a more general sense, “abeam” can also be used to describe something that is positioned to the side of something else. For example, someone might say that they are standing abeam a door to indicate that they are standing to the side of the door rather than in front of it or behind it.

Bibliography ►