anthelion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anthelion” mean?
A luminous white or coloured spot on a parhelic circle at the same altitude as the sun, opposite the sun in the sky.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A luminous white or coloured spot on a parhelic circle at the same altitude as the sun, opposite the sun in the sky.
A rare optical phenomenon appearing as a bright spot opposite the sun, typically caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight by ice crystals in the atmosphere. It is a member of the halo family of atmospheric effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences exist. The term is identically used in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its precise technical meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, encountered almost exclusively in specialized literature on atmospheric phenomena.
Grammar
How to Use “anthelion” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] anthelion was observed [ADVERB/PP].An anthelion appeared [PREP PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in meteorology, atmospheric physics, and related scientific papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in technical descriptions of halo phenomena.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthelion”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthelion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthelion”
- Confusing 'anthelion' with 'parhelion' (sun dog).
- Misspelling as 'anthelian' or 'anthellion'.
- Using it as a general term for any bright spot in the sky.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sun dog (parhelion) appears beside the sun, while an anthelion appears opposite the sun in the sky.
It is an extremely rare phenomenon, much rarer than common halos or sun dogs, requiring very specific atmospheric conditions.
No. By definition, it is a spot opposite the *sun*, so it can only be observed during daylight hours when the sun is above the horizon.
It derives from Greek: 'anti-' meaning 'opposite' + 'hēlios' meaning 'sun'.
A luminous white or coloured spot on a parhelic circle at the same altitude as the sun, opposite the sun in the sky.
Anthelion is usually technical / scientific in register.
Anthelion: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈθiːlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈθiːliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANTi-HELION': ANTi (opposite) + HELIOS (Greek for sun) = a spot opposite the sun.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ghostly mirror of the sun.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of an anthelion?