foghorn
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A loud, deep horn used as a warning signal by ships in foggy conditions to indicate their presence. 2. A device that produces this loud, low-pitched sound.
Usage
The word "foghorn" is used to describe the specific acoustic signal or the physical apparatus that creates it, primarily in maritime contexts. It is a compound noun, but its meaning is treated as a single, specific concept.
Examples: - The ship sounded its foghorn every two minutes as it navigated through the thick mist. - We could hear the mournful blast of a foghorn from the harbor. - The lighthouse is equipped with a powerful foghorn.
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical Use: Informally, "foghorn" can describe a person's voice that is exceptionally loud and harsh.
- Example: The coach's foghorn of a voice could be heard across the entire field.
Variants and Related Words
- Fog signal: A more general term for any device (including horns, sirens, bells, or whistles) used to warn ships in fog.
- Marine horn: A technical term for a horn used on vessels.
Synonyms
- Warning horn
- Marine signal horn
- Siren (though a siren is typically higher-pitched)
Idioms and Phrases
Note: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that use the exact word "foghorn." Its usage is largely literal.
Noun
- a warning device consisting of a horn that generates a loud low tone
- a loud low warning signal that can be heard by fogbound ships