boom

views updated May 18 2018

boom1 / boōm/ • n. a loud, deep, resonant sound: the deep boom of the bass drum. ∎  the characteristic resonant call of the bittern.• v. [intr.] make a loud, deep, resonant sound: thunder boomed in the sky.DERIVATIVES: boom·y adj.boom2 • n. a period of great prosperity or rapid economic growth: a boom in precious metal mining [as adj.] a boom economy. • v. [intr.] undergo a period of great prosperity or rapid economic growth: business is booming.boom3 • n. a long pole or rod, in particular: ∎  a spar to which a the foot of a vessel's sail is attached. ∎  [often as adj.] a movable arm over a television or movie set, carrying a microphone or camera: a boom mike. ∎  a long beam extending upward at an angle from the mast of a derrick, for guiding or supporting objects being moved or suspended. ∎  a floating beam used to contain oil spills or to form a barrier across the mouth of a harbor or river. ∎  a retractable tube for inflight transferral of fuel from a tanker airplane to another airplane.

boom

views updated May 18 2018

boom1 give out a deep humming note XV; sail with great speed XVII. ult. imit. (Cf. BOMB); Cf. Du. bommen.
Hence boom sb. XVI.

boom

views updated May 11 2018

boom2 (naut.) long spar; floating timber barrier. XVI (Sc. boume). — Du. boom tree, pole, BEAM.

boom

views updated Jun 08 2018

boom3 (orig. U.S.) sudden activity in commerce. XIX. prob. application of BOOM1.
Also as vb. XIX.

boom

views updated May 23 2018

boom An input device consisting of a long shaft whose end can be moved in three dimensions, so allowing three-dimensional input.

Boom

views updated May 14 2018

Boom

a fixed line of floating timber, 1702.

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