Definition

Proper noun A specific historical structure: a very tall lighthouse, approximately 500 feet (about 150 meters) high, constructed on the island of Pharos near Alexandria, Egypt. Its construction was completed around 285 BC. It is also widely known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Usage

"Tower of Pharos" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this ancient wonder. It is often mentioned in historical, architectural, and cultural contexts. * The Tower of Pharos guided ships into the harbor of Alexandria for centuries. * Ancient writers described the Tower of Pharos as an astonishing feat of engineering. * The Tower of Pharos was damaged by a series of earthquakes and eventually collapsed.

Advanced Usage

• The name is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something that serves as a guiding beacon or a towering, iconic structure.
  • In a time of moral confusion, her integrity stood like the Tower of Pharos, a beacon for others to follow.

Variants and Related Words

• The Lighthouse of Alexandria: The most common alternative name for the same structure.
• The Pharos of Alexandria: Another direct variant, using "Pharos" as the name of the lighthouse itself.
• Pharos: This word alone can refer to the lighthouse or, by extension, has become a general term for a lighthouse or beacon in some literary and historical contexts.

Synonyms

• Beacon
• Landmark (in the sense of a historically significant guiding structure)
• Wonder (specifically as one of the Seven Wonders)

Notes on Meaning

The term "Tower of Pharos" refers exclusively to this single, famous historical monument. It is not a generic term for any tall tower or lighthouse. Its primary meaning is literal and historical, though it can be used in figurative language as noted above.

Noun

1. a great lighthouse (500 feet high) built at Alexandria in 285 BC