parhelion

noun

par·​he·​lion pär-ˈhēl-yən How to pronounce parhelion (audio)
plural parhelia pär-ˈhēl-yə How to pronounce parhelion (audio) or parhelions
: any of several bright spots often tinged with color that often appear on the parhelic circle on either side of the sun

called also sun dog

parhelic
pär-ˈhē-lik How to pronounce parhelion (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin parelion, from Greek parēlion, from para- + hēlios sun — more at solar

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parhelion was in 1571

Dictionary Entries Near parhelion

parhelic circle

parhelion

parhomologous

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Parhelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parhelion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parhelion

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