bea·con 
/ˈbi:kən/ noun
plural bea·cons /ˈbi:kən/ noun [count] 1 : a strong light that can be seen from far away and that is used to help guide ships, airplanes, etc. 2 : a radio signal that is broadcast to help guide ships, airplanes, etc.
▪ a radio beacon 3 : someone or something (such as a country) that guides or gives hope to others
▪ These countries are beacons of democracy. ▪ Our nation should be a beacon of/for peace to people around the world. ▪ This new medicine is a beacon of hope for/to thousands of people. [=this new medicine gives hope to thousands of people] 4 in the past : a fire built on a hill and used as a signal
▪ a radio beacon
▪ These countries are beacons of democracy. ▪ Our nation should be a beacon of/for peace to people around the world. ▪ This new medicine is a beacon of hope for/to thousands of people. [=this new medicine gives hope to thousands of people]
