Bea·con n.
1. A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
No flaming beacons cast their blaze afar. --Gay.
2. A signal, such as that from a lighthouse, or a conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.
3. A high hill near the shore. [Prov. Eng.]
4. That which gives notice of danger.
Modest doubt is called
The beacon of the wise. --Shak.
5. Navigation a radio transmitter which emits a characteristic signal indication its location, so that vehicles may determine their exact location by locating the beacon with a radio compass; -- also called {radio beacon}.
Beacon fire, a signal fire.
radio beacon
n 1: a characteristic signal emitted by a transmitter used for
navigation
2: a radio station that broadcasts a directional signal for
navigational purposes [syn: beacon]