ray vs beam

ray and beam both are nouns.

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

As nouns, ray and beam are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of ray include beam of light, irradiation, light beam, ray of light, shaft, shaft of light.

As nouns, ray and beam are synonyms defined as:

ray and beam: a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation

Other synonyms of ray include electron beam.

ray (noun)	beam (noun)
cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins	long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction
any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish	a gymnastic apparatus used by women gymnasts
the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization	the broad side of a ship
a column of light (as from a beacon)	(nautical) breadth amidships
a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation	a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence	a column of light (as from a beacon)
(mathematics) a straight line extending from a point	a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation

ray (verb)	beam (verb)
expose to radiation	smile radiantly; express joy through one's facial expression
extend or spread outward from a center or focus or inward towards a center	broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television
emit as rays	express with a beaming face or smile
	experience a feeling of well-being or happiness, as from good health or an intense emotion
	have a complexion with a strong bright color, such as red or pink
	emit light; be bright, as of the sun or a light