MIRAGE Meaning and
Definition
-
Mirage refers to an optical phenomenon that occurs in the atmosphere, usually due to variations in temperature that cause light to bend and create a visual illusion. It is commonly witnessed in arid desert regions or over hot surfaces, but it can also occur over bodies of water or other vast, heated spaces.
A mirage manifests as an optical distortion wherein objects appear to be displaced or distorted, often resembling a shimmering or wavering effect. It occurs due to the bending or refraction of light rays passing through air layers with different densities, resulting in the appearance of a reflective surface, such as water, or the projection of objects that are not actually present.
Typically, mirages take the form of "water mirages," where a body of water seemingly appears on the ground, or "inferior mirages," where objects appear to be suspended in mid-air. These illusions are created as the hot air near the ground refracts light from distant objects downward, giving the impression that they are closer than they actually are.
Mirages have captivated human curiosity and often hold cultural and symbolic significance. They have been the focus of numerous artistic depictions and literary references, often representing longing or the futile pursuit of an unattainable goal. In scientific terms, mirages are fascinating natural phenomena that result from the bending of light, causing illusions that challenge our perception of reality and remind us of the intricacies of the natural world.
-
A curious natural illusion by which objects are seen double-natural objects being seen suspended in the air, generally in a vertical position, as if reflected in a lake; in the desert, the mirage assumes the appearances of a lake; sometimes called looming.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for MIRAGE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MIRAGE
Etymology of MIRAGE
The word mirage originated from the French term se mirer which means to be reflected. It was first introduced into English in the early 19th century. The French word comes from the Latin word mirare meaning to look at or to wonder at.
Similar spelling words for MIRAGE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
