a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, esp. one in an elevated position.
a tower or hill used for such purposes.
a lighthouse, signal buoy, etc., on a shore or at a dangerous area at sea to warn and guide vessels.
Seeradio beacon.
a radar device at a fixed location that, upon receiving a radar pulse, transmits a reply pulse that enables the original sender to determine his or her position relative to the fixed location.
a person, act, or thing that warns or guides.
a person or thing that illuminates or inspires: The Bible has been our beacon during this trouble.
—v.t.
to serve as a beacon to; warn or guide.
to furnish or mark with beacons: a ship assigned to beacon the shoals.
—v.i.
to serve or shine as a beacon: A steady light beaconed from the shore.