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radar beacon

radar beacon

6.5
A device that receives radar signals and sends a coded signal back to help ships or planes find their position
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪˌdɑr ˈbiːkən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : baliza de radar
  • The ship’s crew used the radar beacon to pinpoint their location during the dense fog.

Examples

  • An aircraft automatically responded to signals from a radar beacon set up near the airstrip.

  • The radar beacon helped the pilot locate the airport.

  • Many modern navigation systems rely on at least one kind of radar beacon for accuracy.

  • Many ships rely on a radar beacon for navigation.

  • The ship’s crew used the radar beacon to pinpoint their location during the dense fog.

  • An aircraft automatically responded to signals from a radar beacon set up near the airstrip.

  • Many modern navigation systems rely on at least one kind of radar beacon for accuracy.

Synonyms

beacon
vsradar beacon
  • Specialized
34 5.9

A radio station that sends a signal to help pilots or sailors find their position

is narrower and works specifically to indicate position rather than general guidance
radio beacon
vsradar beacon
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A device that sends radio signals to guide ships or aircraft

is radar-activated and sends coded replies instead of continuous broadcasting
racon
vsradar beacon
  • Specialized
9.9

A radar device on buoys or ships that sends back a signal to show position

is sensor-triggered and replies rather than emitting continuous signals

How Helpful

radar beacon
  • Specialized
6.5
transponder
  • Specialized
49 7.5
reflector
9 4.1
marker
86 1.0

Surface Forms

radar beacon singular
radar beacons plural

Morphology

radar + beacon

The meaning — a beacon related to or operating with radar signals — is directly derivable from combining 'radar' (radio-based detection) and 'beacon' (navigational signal transmitter). This is a straightforward noun–noun modification following normal composition patterns and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the MWE's function.

Etymology

Radar beacon is like a small answering lighthouse for radar: the radar sends a signal and the beacon replies with a special code, so pilots or sailors can 'find their position'.