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Mirage

//mɪˈɹɑːʒ// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, often giving the illusion of a body of water.
  2. 2
    something illusory and unattainable wordnet
  3. 3
    An illusion. figuratively

    "I remember hearing, that in the East the clear and azure waters seem to flow before the weary and parched traveller; yet a little further, and on he urges his weary way, but in vain—the fair stream is a delusion. Even thus happiness is the mirage which leads us over the desert of life, ever fated to end in deceit and disappointment."

  4. 4
    an optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To cause to appear as or like a mirage. transitive

    "All that had been in his mind seemed suddenly miraged before him—the removal of Hunterleys, his own wife's failing health."

Etymology

Etymology 1

An unadapted borrowing from French mirage c. 1812.

Etymology 2

An unadapted borrowing from French mirage c. 1812.

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