bead [bēd] COMPUTER SCIENCE A small subroutine. DESIGN ENGINEERING A projecting rim or band. ELECTROMAGNETISM A glass, ceramic, or plastic insulator through which passes the inner conductor of a coaxial transmission line and by means of which the inner conductor is supported in a position coaxial with the outer conductor. METALLURGY 1. The drop of precious metal obtained by cupellation in fire assaying. 2. See <<weld bead>> |