Lighthouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lighthouse
[หlaษชthaสs ]
Definition
nautical structure
A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other structure containing a light that's used to signal to sailors and help navigate the seas. It typically stands on a prominent point of land or on an island and emits light that can be seen from a distance. Lighthouses serve both as a navigational aid and a warning for hazards to navigation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The lighthouse guided the boat safely to shore.
- She took a picturesque photograph of the lighthouse at sunset.
- Lighthouses are crucial for coastal navigation.
- The old lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction.
- We could see the lighthouse shining in the distance.
Translations
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Origin of 'lighthouse'
The term 'lighthouse' originates from the combination of two words: 'light' and 'house'. The use of towers to emit light dates back to ancient times, with the earliest known lighthouse being the Pharos of Alexandria, built around 250 BC in Egypt. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Historically, lighthouses functioned to warn ships of nearby dangers and guide them safely into harbors. The evolution of lighthouse technology, from simple bonfires to complex automated systems, has significantly improved maritime safety over the centuries. The term 'lighthouse' has been documented in English language as early as the 14th century, symbolizing the vital role these structures play in navigation and safe passage at sea.