/'bi:kən; `bikən/
n
1 fire lit on a hilltop as a signal 烽火.
2 (a) light fixed on rocks or on the coast to warn or guide ships, or on a mountain, tall building, etc to warn aircraft 灯塔; 灯标.
(b) flashing light on an airfield for the guidance of pilots （飞机场上指示飞机起降的）闪光灯.
3 signal station such as a lighthouse （灯塔之类的）信号站.
4 radio station or transmitter whose signal helps ships and aircraft to discover their position （帮助航船和飞行器确定位置的）无线电台或发射台.
5 (Brit) = Belisha beacon.

n[C]
[Language: Old English;Origin: beacen 'sign']
a light that is put somewhere to warn or guide people, ships, vehicles, or aircraft
a radio or radar signal used by aircraft or boats to help them find their position and direction
especially literary a person, idea etc that guides or encourages you
beacon of
　The education program offers a beacon of hope to these children.
a fire on top of a hill used in the past as a signal
→belisha beacon