Mirage
/mɪˈrɑːʒ/noun
An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, making distant objects appear displaced or distorted.
Did you know?The origins of 'mirage' link it to the act of 'to look at' or 'to gaze', evoking the mysterious allure of unattainable visions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
mirare
“to wonder or to look at with admiration.”
Old French
Old French
mirage
“an illusion or something that appears but is not real.”
19th Century
English
mirage
“a term referring to optical illusions observed in deserts or on hot surfaces.”
Modern English
English
mirage
“the current term for an optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light.”
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