Lexic.us

Definition of Mirage

1. Noun. An optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects.

Definition of Mirage

1. n. An optical effect, sometimes seen on the ocean, but more frequently in deserts, due to total reflection of light at the surface common to two strata of air differently heated. The reflected image is seen, commonly in an inverted position, while the real object may or may not be in sight. When the surface is horizontal, and below the eye, the appearance is that of a sheet of water in which the object is seen reflected; when the reflecting surface is above the eye, the image is seen projected against the sky. The fata Morgana and looming are species of mirage.

Definition of Mirage

1. Noun. An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, giving the appearance of there being refuge in the distance. ¹

2. Noun. (figuratively) An illusion. ¹

3. Verb. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Mirage

1. a type of optical illusion [n -S]

Medical Definition of Mirage

1. An optical effect, sometimes seen on the ocean, but more frequently in deserts, due to total reflection of light at the surface common to two strata of air differently heated. The reflected image is seen, commonly in an inverted position, while the real object may or may not be in sight. When the surface is horizontal, and below the eye, the appearance is that of a sheet of water in which the object is seen reflected; when the reflecting surface is above the eye, the image is seen projected against the sky. The fata Morgana and looming are species of mirage. "By the mirage uplifted the land floats vague in the ether, Ships and the shadows of ships hang in the motionless air." (Longfellow) Origin: F, fr. Mirer to look at carefully, to aim, se mirer to look at one's self in a glass, to reflect, to be reflected, LL. Mirare to look at. See Mirror. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Mirage

Literary usage of Mirage

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries Within the Pyramids by Giovanni Battista Belzoni (1820)
"The next phenomenon is the mirage, often described by travellers, ... If the wind agitate any of the plants that rise above the horizon of the mirage, ..."

2. The Climate and Weather of San Diego, California: Prepared Under the by Ford Ashman Carpenter, Willis Luther Moore (1913)
"The mirage, that most elusive and bewildering fantasy of light and air, ... The common appearance of the mirage in this vicinity is the distortion and ..."

3. Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne, Ramsay Weston Phipps (1891)
"This mirage is so considerable in the plain of Pelusium that shortly after sunrise no object is recognisable. The same phenomenon has been observed in other ..."

4. Contributions to the Natural History of Alaska: Results of Investigations by Lucien McShan Turner (1886)
"February 12 : mirage to a slight degree ; faint parhelion at 2 pm ; a pale ... February 14 : Much horizontal and vertical mirage; three parhelia and a halo ..."

5. The Resources of California: Comprising the Society, Climate, Salubrity by John Shertzer Hittell (1875)
"mirage.—Among the most remarkable scenes witnessed in California are the ... All the phenomena of mirage," says Professor WP Blake, "are exhibited on a ..."

6. Elements of Meteorology: With Questions for Examination, Designed for by John Brocklesby (1851)
"ARTIFICIAL mirage. The phenomena of the mirage have been artificially produced Joy Dr. Brewster, in the following manner. Fig. 33. ARTIFICIAL mirage. ..."

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