Ignis Fatuus Definition
ĭgnĭs făcho͝o-əs
ignis-fatuus
noun
A light seen at night moving over swamps or marshy places, believed to be caused by the combustion of gases arising from decaying organic matter.
Webster's New World
Something that misleads or deludes; an illusion.
American Heritage
A deceptive hope, goal, or influence; delusion.
Webster's New World
A will o' the wisp.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- will-o'-the-wisp
- jack-o-lantern
- friar's lantern
- mirage
- phantasma
- phantasm
- illusion
- hallucination
- delusion
Origin of Ignis Fatuus
Modern Latin, from ignis (“fire”) + fatuus (“foolish”). Literally "foolish fire".
From Wiktionary
Medieval Latin Latin ignis fire Latin fatuus foolish
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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