fire alarm

Definition

An electromechanical or electronic bell, klaxon, chime, horn, speaker, strobe light or other device which warns people in a building etc. of a possible fire or other condition requiring evacuation.

Etymology

From fire + alarm.

Example Sentences

• "Should the automatic fire alarm sound, the gas from the [carbon dioxide] bottles may be released in the engine compartment by operating a pull handle in the driver's cab."
• "A four fire-alarm fire ripped through a row of 2.5 story frame dwellings during the early morning hours"