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beacon
The definition of a beacon is a person or thing that warns, guides or offers support.
(noun)- A lighthouse is an example of a beacon.
- The lights of a runway are an example of a beacon for a landing plane.
- A friend who offers direction and guidance is an example of a beacon for someone in need.
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See beacon in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a signal fire, esp. one on a hill, pole, etc.
- any light or radio signal for warning or guiding
- a lighthouse
- a radio transmitter that sends out signals for the guidance of aircraft, as at night or in fog
- a person or thing that warns, offers encouragement or guidance, etc.
Origin: ME beken < OE beacen, becen < Gmc *baukna, prob. < IE *bhāu-, var. of base *bhā-, to gleam, shine > Gr phainein, to show, appear
transitive verb
- to light up (darkness, etc.)
- to provide or mark with beacons
intransitive verb
to shine or serve as a beacon
See beacon in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A signaling or guiding device, such as a lighthouse, located on a coast.
- A radio transmitter that emits a characteristic guidance signal for aircraft.
- A source of guidance or inspiration.
- A signal fire, especially one used to warn of an enemy's approach.
To provide with or shine as a beacon.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English beken
Origin: , from Old English bēacen; see bhā-1 in Indo-European roots
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