anthelion

noun

ant·​he·​li·​on
(ˈ)ant¦hēlyən,
(ˈ)an¦thē-,
-lēən
plural anthelia
-yə,
-ēə
 or anthelions
: the brightish white halolike spot appearing occasionally on the parhelic circle opposite the sun

called also antisun, countersun

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthēlion, from neuter of anthēlios, alteration of antēlios opposite the sun, from anti- anti- entry 1 + hēlios sun

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthelion was in 1670

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Dictionary Entries Near anthelion

ant heap

anthelion

anthelmintic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Anthelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthelion. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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