Webster's English Dictionary

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boom

1. boom \'bu:m\ n [D, tree, beam; akin to OHG boum tree - more at BEAM] 1: 
   a long spar used variously to extend the foot of a sail or facilitate ha 
   ndling of cargo or mooring 2a: a long beam projecting from the mast of a 
   derrick to support or guide a n object to be lifted or swung 2b: a long 
   movable arm used to manipulate a microphone  3: a line of connected 
   floating timbers across a river or enclosing an area  of water to keep 
   sawlogs together; also : the enclosed logs 4: a chain cable or line of 
   spars extended across a river or the mouth of a  harbor to defend it by 
   obstructing navigation 5: a spar or outrigger connecting the tail surfaces 
   and the main supporting  structure of an airplane
2. boom vb [imit.] 1: to make a deep hollow sound  2a: to increase in 
   esteem or importance  2b: to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion 
   usu. with an increas e in prices 2c: to develop rapidly in population and 
   importance  1: to cause to resound  2: to cause a rapid growth or increase 
   of : BOOST 
3. boom n 1: a booming sound or cry  2: a rapid expansion or increase as  
   2a: a general movement in support of a candidate for office  2b: rapid 
   settlement and development of a town or district  2c: a rapid widespread 
   expansion of economic activity