beam vs light

beam and light both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
beam	Yes	No	Yes	No
light	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

As nouns, light is a hypernym of beam; that is, light is a word with a broader meaning than beam:

beam: a column of light (as from a beacon)
light: (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

Other hypernyms of beam include visible light, visible radiation.

beam (noun)	light (noun)
long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction	any device serving as a source of illumination
a gymnastic apparatus used by women gymnasts	a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires
the broad side of a ship	the visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures
(nautical) breadth amidships	the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light
a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather	merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance
a column of light (as from a beacon)	mental understanding as an enlightening experience
a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation	a particular perspective or aspect of a situation
	public awareness
	a visual warning signal
	an illuminated area
	a person regarded very fondly
	(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
	having abundant light or illumination
	a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination

beam (adjective)	light (adjective)
	of comparatively little physical weight or density
	psychologically light; especially free from sadness or troubles
	not great in degree or quantity or number
	of the military or industry; using (or being) relatively small or light arms or equipment
	(used of color) having a relatively small amount of coloring agent
	characterized by or emitting light
	(physics, chemistry) not having atomic weight greater than average
	of little intensity or power or force
	easily assimilated in the alimentary canal; not rich or heavily seasoned
	silly or trivial
	weak and likely to lose consciousness
	having little importance
	less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so
	designed for ease of movement or to carry little weight
	moving easily and quickly; nimble
	(used of soil) loose and large-grained in consistency
	having relatively few calories
	(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims
	(of sleep) easily disturbed
	marked by temperance in indulgence
	very thin and insubstantial
	casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior
	demanding little effort; not burdensome
	(used of vowels or syllables) pronounced with little or no stress
	intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound

beam (verb)	light (verb)
smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression	introduce light into
broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television	start or maintain a fire in
express with a beaming face or smile	begin to smoke
experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good health or an intense emotion	to come to rest, settle
have a complexion with a strong bright color, such as red or pink	alight from (a horse)
emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light	fall to somebody by assignment or lot; passed
	cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat

beam (adverb)	light (adverb)
	with few burdens