beacon
BEE-kun
/ˈbiː.kən/
A light, radio transmitter, or conspicuous mark set up as a signal, guide, or warning.
In modern water safety, usually refers to emergency radio position-indicating beacons (EPIRBs).
The story behind the word. From Old English 'beacen' meaning a sign or signal light. Relates to German 'Bake' (a seamark). Hilltop signal fires were early warning beacons against coastal invasions.
Word relationships
- signal: Signal is any message or gesture, while a beacon is a stationary or automatic transmitting device.
- lighthouse: A lighthouse is a tower structure; a beacon can be a small electronic device or light.
Commonly confused with
- buoy: A buoy floats on water; a beacon can be electronic, land-based, satellite-connected, or optical.
Word family
- beacons (noun): Plural form of beacon.
Collocations
- distress beacon
- emergency beacon
- beacon of hope
- radio beacon
Idioms & expressions
- beacon of hope
Example sentences
- "When the ship foundered, the automatic distress beacon activated and sent gps coordinates to rescuers." Emergency equipment check
Memory hook
BEACON BECKONS rescuers with its light and radio signal. Signaling light or radio signal.
When not to use
Do not use for general handheld flashlights.
Fun facts
- Satellite emergency beacons saved over 40,000 human lives globally since their deployment in 1982.
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