Nautical Term: Fog horn
Definition of Fog horn
A fog horn is a specialized sound signaling device used to warn mariners of hidden dangers, particularly in foggy conditions. Fog horns come in various designs and mechanisms, not all of which are mechanically operated.
For example, during a dense fog, the crew of a cargo ship hears a series of long and short blasts from the fog horn of a nearby lighthouse. The crew recognizes this pattern as the international distress signal and quickly take appropriate action to ensure their safety and that of their cargo.
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