— beaconless , adj.
/bee"keuhn/ , n.
1. a guiding or warning signal, as a light or fire, esp. one in an elevated position.
2. a tower or hill used for such purposes.
3. a lighthouse, signal buoy, etc., on a shore or at a dangerous area at sea to warn and guide vessels.
4. Navig.
a. See radio beacon .
b. 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.
5. a person, act, or thing that warns or guides.
6. a person or thing that illuminates or inspires: The Bible has been our beacon during this trouble.
v.t.
7. to serve as a beacon to; warn or guide.
8. to furnish or mark with beacons: a ship assigned to beacon the shoals.
v.i.
9. to serve or shine as a beacon: A steady light beaconed from the shore.
[ bef. 950; ME beken, OE beacen sign, signal; c. OFris baken, OS bokan, OHG bouhhan ]
Syn. 1. beam, buoy, pharos; signal fire; balefire.