How Do You Spell SUNDOG?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌndɒɡ] (IPA)

Sundog, a term used to describe a spectral image of the sun, is spelled as /ˈsʌnˌdɔːɡ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word is split into two parts, ‘sun’ and ‘dog’ with both syllables pronounced with equal emphasis. The ‘u’ in 'sun' is pronounced with a short ‘u’ sound (/ʌ/) while the ‘o’ in ‘dog’ is pronounced with a long ‘o’ sound (/ɔː/). The use of phonetic transcription helps to guide readers on how to pronounce words correctly.

SUNDOG Meaning and Definition

1. A sundog, also known as a parhelion, is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by the appearance of bright spots or patches of light on either side of the Sun, often forming a colorful halo-like ring. This optical phenomenon commonly occurs when sunlight passes through ice crystals in the atmosphere, causing the light to refract and create miniature rainbows. Sundogs are typically observed in colder regions, particularly during winter or when high-altitude clouds containing ice crystals are present.

   The formation of a sundog usually involves the interplay of several factors. As sunlight encounters hexagonal ice crystals, it can be bent or refracted, producing a variety of optical effects. Sundogs appear on either side of the Sun, sometimes at the same altitude, and are often seen in symmetrical pairs. These spots of light can exhibit vibrant hues, including red, orange, yellow, blue, and purple. The colors result from the different wavelengths of sunlight being dispersed by the ice crystals in the atmosphere.

   Sundogs are not only visually captivating but also serve as indicators of atmospheric conditions. Their presence suggests the presence of high-altitude cirrus clouds composed of ice crystals. Additionally, sundogs can indicate the presence of moisture in the upper atmosphere, potentially signaling an approaching weather front. While fleeting and relatively rare, sundogs are a testament to the remarkable interplay of light and atmospheric phenomena, providing awe-inspiring sights for those fortunate enough to witness them.

Common Misspellings for SUNDOG

• aundog
• zundog
• xundog
• dundog
• eundog
• wundog
• syndog
• shndog
• sjndog
• sindog
• s8ndog
• s7ndog
• subdog
• sumdog
• sujdog
• suhdog
• sunsog
• sunxog
• suncog
• suneog

Etymology of SUNDOG

The word "sundog" originated from the combination of two separate terms: "sun" and "dog". The "sun" part refers to the celestial body around which the Earth revolves, while the "dog" part is a reference to the bright spots or patches that appear on either side of the Sun, resembling the eyes of a dog. This phenomenon is scientifically known as a parhelion and is caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. Over time, the term "sundog" emerged to describe this optical phenomenon.

Plural form of SUNDOG is SUNDOGS