balance beam: Meaning and Definition of

bal'ance beam"

1. a narrow wooden rail about 16 ft. (5 m) long and 4 in. (10 cm) wide, set horizontally on upright posts about 4 ft. (1.2 m) from the floor, used for performing feats of balancing and demonstrating gymnastic ability.
2. a competitive gymnastic event for women in which such an apparatus is used.