Foghorn: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ซ๏ธ
foghorn
[ หfษgหhษrn ]
sound device
A foghorn is a loud sound signaling device used primarily in maritime environments to warn ships of hazards such as rocky shores or shallow waters, especially during foggy weather conditions. It emits a powerful blast of sound that travels over long distances to alert vessels of nearby hazards. Typically operated automatically, foghorns can also be activated manually, depending on the situation. Their distinctive sound, which can vary in pitch and duration, is designed to be recognizable and to cut through the noise of wind and waves.
Synonyms
horn, sound signal, warning device.
Examples of usage
- The ship's foghorn echoed through the mist.
- The coast guard inspected the foghorn system for proper operation.
- As the fog rolled in, the foghorn sounded its warning.
- He could hear the distant foghorn from the lighthouse.
- The foghorns helped keep the sailors safe during low visibility.
Translations
Translations of the word "foghorn" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bocina de niebla
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเฅเคเคง เคญเคฐเฅ เคธเฅเคเค
๐ฉ๐ช Nebelhorn
๐ฎ๐ฉ lonceng kabut
๐บ๐ฆ ััะผะฐะฝะฝะธะน ััะณ
๐ต๐ฑ syrena mgลowa
๐ฏ๐ต ้ง็ฌ
๐ซ๐ท corne de brume
๐ช๐ธ bocina de niebla
๐น๐ท sis horn
๐ฐ๐ท ์๊ฐ ๊ฒฝ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจูู ุงูุถุจุงุจ
๐จ๐ฟ mlhovรฝ roh
๐ธ๐ฐ hmla roh
๐จ๐ณ ้พๅท
๐ธ๐ฎ meglenka
๐ฎ๐ธ รพokuhringur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฑะผะฐะฝ ัะธะณะฝะฐะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ duman siqnalฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ bocina de niebla
Etymology
The term 'foghorn' originates from the combination of 'fog', referring to the thick mist that reduces visibility, and 'horn', indicating a loud signaling mechanism. The use of sound signals in maritime navigation dates back several centuries, but the specific term 'foghorn' began to be used in the early 19th century. The foghorns were initially powered by steam, and over time evolved into mechanical and electric systems that are more reliable and easier to operate. These devices became crucial for maritime safety as they serve as auditory signals in conditions where visual cues are obscured. The foghorn became a symbol of maritime navigation, highlighting the intersection of technology and safety in the complex environment of the sea. Today, foghorns are still in use, with improvements in sound technology and automation, but they maintain their traditional role in aiding sailors in reducing the risk of accidents at sea.