Beacon

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbiːkÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -iːkÉ™n

Origin

Middle English beken, from Old English bēacen ("sign, signal"), from Proto-Germanic *baukną (cf. West Frisian beaken ("buoy"), Dutch baken ("beacon"), Middle High German bouchen ("sign")), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂u-, *bʰeh₂- ("to shine"). More at fantasy.

Full definition of beacon

Noun

1. A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
• GayNo flaming beacons cast their blaze afar.
2. (nautical) A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.
• A post or buoy placed over a shoal or bank to warn vessels of danger; also a signal mark on land. (FM 55-501).
3. A high hill or other easily distinguishable object near the shore which can serve as guidance for seafarers.
4. That which gives notice of danger.
• ShakespeareModest doubt is called
  The beacon of the wise.

Derived terms

• aerobeacon
• day beacon
• radio beacon
• web beacon

Verb

1. To act as a beacon.
2. To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine.That beacons the darkness of heaven. — Campbell.
3. To furnish with a beacon or beacons.