Fanal
/ˈfæn.əl/noun
A beacon, signal light, or guiding flame; also a lantern or lighthouse in some historical and regional uses.
Did you know?The word comes through Old French from a Latin term tied to the Greek name for the island of Pharos, whose lighthouse became so famous that its name helped shape words for beacons across Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
Pháros
“The island of Pharos, site of the famed lighthouse at Alexandria”
Late Latin
LAT
pharus
“A lighthouse or beacon, named after Pharos”
Old French
OFr
fanal
“A lantern, beacon, or signal light”
Middle English
EN
fanal
“A beacon or guiding light”
Modern English
EN
fanal
“A beacon, signal light, or lantern”