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| bea·con [ bkən ] (plural bea·cons) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. nautical flashing light for ships: a lighthouse or signaling buoy that produces a flashing light to warn or guide ships
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2. navigation radio transmitter producing navigation signal: a radio transmitter that continuously broadcasts a signal that aircraft use for guidance
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3. signaling fire on hill: a fire lit on a hilltop or tower as part of a national celebration or, formerly, as a signal or warning
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4. source of inspiration: somebody or something that inspires or guides others
(
literary
)
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5. hill suitable for signaling fires: a prominent hill on which fires were formerly lit as a signal
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often used in place names
)
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| [ Old English bēacen "signal, sign" < Germanic] |
