beads

beads · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Small, round objects with holes, strung together for decoration or jewelry.

  2. 2.

    Small drops of liquid.

  3. 3.

    [religion]Prayer beads, especially a rosary.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    draw a bead on — Take careful aim at.
  • •
    say one's beads — Pray using a rosary.
  • •
    beads of sweat — Small drops of perspiration.

Related words

See also: bead, jewelry, necklace, rosary
Synonyms: droplets, pearls

Etymology

Plural of bead, from Old English bedu, beodu ("prayer"), because rosary beads were used for counting prayers. The meaning shifted to the beads themselves.