Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: beacen 'sign'

beacon

 noun
     
Related topics: Broadcasting
bea‧con [countable]
1TT a light that is put somewhere to warn or guide people, ships, vehicles, or aircraft
2TCBTT a radio or radar signal used by aircraft or boats to help them find their position and direction
3 especially literary a person, idea etc that guides or encourages you
beacon of
The education program offers a beacon of hope to these children.
4 a fire on top of a hill used in the past as a signal
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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