Definition of "beacon" []

• A signaling or guiding device, such as a lighthouse, located on a coast. (noun)
• A radio transmitter that emits a characteristic guidance signal for aircraft. (noun)
• A source of guidance or inspiration. (noun)
• A signal fire, especially one used to warn of an enemy's approach. (noun)
• To provide with or shine as a beacon. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "We've got what we call beacon schools, where we take the school buildings that are there anyhow, and now we keep them open until 11: 00 p.m. or 12: 00 p.m. at night, six and seven days a week, with programs for young people and adults, funded by the city but run by not-for-profit community organizations."
• "This is what we call our beacon of democracy in the region?"
• "However, before they can leave, a beacon is planted somewhere on the base, alerting the Vanguard to the location of the ship."