English word beacon comes from Proto-Indo-European *bū-, and later Proto-Germanic *baukną (Sign, symbol.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *bū- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| *bʰə-w- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| *baukną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Sign, symbol. |
| bēacen | Old English (ang) | |
| beken | Middle English (enm) | |
| beacon | English (en) | (figurative) That which gives notice of danger.. (nautical) A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.. A high hill or other easily distinguishable object near the shore which can serve as guidance for seafarers.. A post or buoy placed over a shoal or bank to warn vessels of danger; also a signal mark on land. (FM [...] |