Beadlike means resembling small, round objects with holes through them that can be strung together. When something is described as beadlike, it looks like beads: typically round or oval, smooth, and often arranged in a row or chain.

You might see beadlike dewdrops lined up along a spider's web in the morning, each one perfectly round and catching the light. A string of beadlike pearls forms when an oyster coats irritating particles with layers of smooth material over many years. Scientists might describe certain bacteria as beadlike when they form chains of round cells connected end to end.

The word helps create a vivid picture: beadlike eyes might be small, round, and shiny, like the bright eyes of a mouse. Beadlike sweat appears as distinct, round droplets on someone's forehead after hard exercise. When you read that something is beadlike, imagine those smooth, rounded shapes that remind you of the beads on a necklace or bracelet.