| BEI | <abbreviation> Butanol-extractable iodine. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| BEI test | An obsolete test for thyroid function, applicable in patients who have received large amounts of iodine or iodised products. Synonym: BEI test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| beige mouse | A mouse strain typified by beige hair and lymphadenopathy, reticulum cell neoplasms and giant lysosomal granules in leukocytes. May be the murine equivalent of Chediak Higashi syndrome of man. (18 Nov 1997) |
| being | From Be. Existing. Being was formerly used where we now use having. "Being to go to a ball in a few days." . In modern usage, is, are, was or were being, with a past participle following (as built, made, etc) indicates the process toward the completed result expressed by the participle. The form is or was building, in this passive signification, is idiomatic, and, if free from ambiguity, is commonly preferable to the modern is or was being built. The last form of speech is, however, sufficiently authorised by approved writers. The older expression was is, or was, a-building or in building. "A man who is being strangled." (Lamb) "While the article on Burns was being written." (Froude) "Fresh experience is always being gained." (Jowett (Thucyd)) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |