parhelion

(-hē′lē ən, -hēl′yən)

noun pl. parhelia

a bright, sunlike optical illusion caused by sunlight passing through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere; sundog

Origin: L parelion < Gr parēlion < para-, beside (see para-) + hēlios, the sun: see Helios

See parhelion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. par·he·li·a (-hēˈlē-ə, -hēlˈyə)

A bright spot sometimes appearing on either side of the sun, often on a luminous ring or halo.

Origin:

Origin: Latin parēlion

Origin: , from Greek

Origin: : para-, beside; see para-¹

Origin: + hēlios, sun; see sāwel- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

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