What does the term "beat" mean when referring to movie scripts and screenwriting?

Question

I read a lot of movie scripts and i see in between dialogue the term "beat". What is the purpose and what is its meaning within a film script? Thanks!

Answer 1

It's a pause between dialogue- either lines between two actors, or a pause in one actors' speech.  If you watch the film and read along in the script, you should see how it works.

Answer 2

It means a pause between dialogue.