beacon

• Nom désignant un dispositif qui émet un signal ou sert de guide, comme un feu sur une colline, une station radio de navigation ou une lumière sur une tour pour avertir les navires des dangers ; il peut aussi se référer à quelque chose qui éclaire ou oriente, au propre comme au figuré.

A noun referring to a signaling or guiding device, such as a fire on a hill, a radio station for navigation, or a light on a tower warning ships of hazards; it can also refer to the act of shining like a beacon or guiding with one.

1. Signal fireB2formal

   A fire, typically on a hill or tower, used as a signal or warning that can be seen from a distance.

   feu de signalisation

   • The ancient beacons were lit to warn of approaching enemies.
   • From the hilltop, the beacon could be seen for miles.
   • They built a beacon to guide travelers through the night.

   Synonymesbalefiresignal fire

2. Navigational radio signalB2formal

   A radio station that broadcasts a directional signal used for navigation, especially by aircraft or ships.

   balise radio de navigation

   • The pilot relied on the beacon to find the runway in fog.
   • Ships use radio beacons to determine their position at sea.
   • The airport's beacon helps guide planes during poor visibility.

   Synonymesradio beacon

3. Warning light towerB2formal

   A tower equipped with a bright light that warns ships of dangerous shoals or rocks.

   Phare de signalisation maritime

   • The lighthouse beacon warned sailors of the rocky coast.
   • The beacon flashed every ten seconds to mark the hazard.
   • Ships steer clear of the beacon to avoid shallow waters.

   Synonymeslighthousepharos

4. Shine brightlyC1informal

   To emit a bright, guiding light, similar to a beacon.

   Briller comme un phare

   • The stars beacond down on the dark forest.
   • Her smile beacond across the crowded room.
   • The lantern beacond through the stormy night.

5. Guide or directC1formal

   To lead or direct someone using a beacon or similar guiding signal.

   guider (à l'aide d'un signal)

   • The lighthouse beacond the ship safely into the harbor.
   • The rescue team beacond the hikers back to camp.
   • The signal beacond the aircraft to the correct runway.

• Verbe signifiant éclairer ou guider comme un phare, ou servir de signal ou d'avertissement.

A verb meaning to shine or guide like a beacon, or to serve as a signal or warning.

1. To shine brightlyB2formal

   To emit a bright, guiding light, similar to a beacon.

   Briller comme un phare

   • The lighthouse beacons across the dark sea.
   • Her smile beacons warmth and kindness.
   • The stars beaconed in the clear night sky.

   Synonymesbeamblazeflaregleamglowradiateshine

2. To guide or signalB2formal

   To act as a guide or signal, especially by using a light or radio signal.

   guider par signaux

   • The control tower beacons the plane to the runway.
   • The rescue team used flares to beacon their location.
   • The lighthouse beacons ships safely into the harbor.

   Synonymesbeckondirectguideilluminateleadsignal