fog signal

American  

noun

1. any of various types of signal used as a warning by vessels navigating in fog or mist.

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fog signal British  

noun

1. a signal used to warn railway engine drivers in fog, consisting of a detonator placed on the line

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Etymology

Origin of fog signal

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fog signal

Before the 11 a.m. boat ride back to the mainland, Dre Elmore likes to show off the retired Fresnel lens and the array of still-working machinery in the fog signal building.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 11, 2024

The next morning, I went to the visitor station, in the recently refurbished fog signal building, to see the lighthouse’s original, first-order — as the biggest versions are called — Fresnel lens on display.

From New York Times ● Mar. 27, 2023

So I’m sounding the fog signal, and I could hear him, and he’s coming closer.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 29, 2015

With the lighthouse and the steam fog signal house built on top of a cement pier supported by wooden pilings, the effects of water, wind and Michigan winters eventually took their toll.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 26, 2015

From the lighthouse station far to the east he could hear the low, steady intonation of the fog signal diaphone.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson