beam weapon n.

a weapon that fires a destructive beam of energy

Weaponry

[1931 R. Cummings White Invaders in Astounding Stories Dec. 348 page image Ray Cummings bibliography
The green light-beam weapons were merely another application of the same principle…. The light-beams were swift and violent in their action.]
1936 E. Hamilton Mutiny on Europa in Thrilling Wonder Stories Dec. 70/1 page image Edmond Hamilton bibliography
We could see an officer inside, checking the racks of beam-weapons.
1939 ‘E. Binder’ Prison of Time in Dynamic Science Stories May 29/2 page image
Earth could use your great science… And your marvellous anti-gravity ships and beam-weapon, in the war! If we had your help, we would win!
1947 R. M. Williams The Weapon in Amazing Stories July 86/1 page image Robert Moore Williams bibliography
They have threatened to begin the systematic destruction of our cities by means of the beam weapon with which their ships are equipped.
1952 R. S. Shaver The Sun-Smiths in Other Worlds Aug. 60/2 page image Richard S. Shaver bibliography
The stranger…had flashed his beam weapon upon him and cut him down.
1966 F. Saberhagen Face of the Deep in Worlds of If Sept. 51/2 page image Fred Saberhagen
Why wasn’t it firing? As if to answer his thought the flare of a beam-weapon struck out from the launch.
1992 B. B. Longyear The Green in Amazing Stories Sept. 24/1 page image Barry B. Longyear bibliography
Curt was standing naked upon the floor, a beam weapon in his hand.
2015 D. Wexler End of War in Asimov’s Science Fiction June 26 page image Django Wexler bibliography
Gar has built a diffuser—a mob that projects a defensive field that spreads out the energy from beam weapons.

Research requirements

antedating 1936

Research History

Douglas Winston has a number of cites from various sources.
Jesse Sheidlower supplied most cites in this entry.

Last modified 2021-01-24 04:59:06
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.