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Glite Dictionary
claxon

claxon

1 9.3
A loud electric horn used on older cars
  • noun
  • /ˈklæk.sən/
  • Archaic
translation icon : claxon
  • The distinct sound of the claxon alerted the drivers to the impending traffic jam.
  • sound of a claxon
  • claxons blaring

Examples

  • The claxon blared loudly as the emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.

  • An angry claxon and he's forced to pull back.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The claxon alarm sounds pervasively. Crew, etc.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • The warning claxon hooted as the outer gate of the prison slid open.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • Alarms and claxons howl!

    Fiction book (1991)

  • When the claxon sounded, everyone knew it was time to evacuate the building.

Synonyms

horn
vsclaxon
183 1.0

A device that makes a loud sound to warn or signal people

is a specific historic electric type with a distinctive sound
car horn
vsclaxon
6 1.1

A loud sound a driver makes to warn others or get attention

is seen as a historic, distinctive electric model rather than the general device
klaxon
vsclaxon
  • Archaic
3 8.5

A loud electric horn used as a warning, often on vehicles

is known for its distinctive tone and historical use on vehicles
hooter
vsclaxon
  • UK
1 6.2

A part of a vehicle that makes a loud sound to warn people

is best known for its older electric design and unique tone
automobile horn
vsclaxon
1 2.1

A device on a car that makes a loud sound to warn people

is the older named form known for its loud, distinctive tone
motor horn
vsclaxon
2.7

A part on a vehicle that makes a loud sound to warn people

is focused on a historic electric version with a distinctive tone

Surface Forms

claxon singular
claxons plural

Etymology

Claxon comes from an early brand name that used the Greek word klazō, meaning 'to shriek'. Because the horn made a loud, shrieking sound, claxon now means a loud car horn or warning horn.