arc of lowitz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare (Technical)Specialized / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arc of lowitz” mean?
An optical atmospheric phenomenon appearing as a rare, faint arc of light extending from the 22° parhelion (sun dog) downwards towards the 22° halo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An optical atmospheric phenomenon appearing as a rare, faint arc of light extending from the 22° parhelion (sun dog) downwards towards the 22° halo.
In meteorology, a rare halo phenomenon associated with ice crystals in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds, characterized by its downward-curving or drooping appearance from a sun dog. It is named after the scientist Tobias Lowitz.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties as a proper noun-based scientific term.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used only within the specialized field of atmospheric optics.
Grammar
How to Use “arc of lowitz” in a Sentence
The [adj] arc of Lowitz was observed/visible/photographed.Researchers documented/reported/studied the arc of Lowitz.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arc of lowitz” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Lowitz-arc display was fleeting.
- A Lowitz-type halo formation
American English
- The Lowitz arc phenomenon is rare.
- A Lowitz-style arc
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in specialized academic papers and textbooks in meteorology, physics, and atmospheric science.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in niche weather-watching or photography communities.
Technical
The primary context. Used to describe and classify specific halo displays in atmospheric optics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arc of lowitz”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arc of lowitz”
- Misspelling as 'arc of Lowits/Lovitz'.
- Using it as a general term for any arc in the sky.
- Incorrect capitalization: 'Arc of lowitz'.
- Treating it as a countable plural ('arcs of Lowitzs').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered one of the rarer halo phenomena.
Tobias Lowitz (1757-1804) was a German-born chemist and physicist who described and possibly discovered the phenomenon in St. Petersburg.
Yes, if conditions are perfect, but it is very faint and often requires expert observation or photography to be clearly identified.
It is caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight through hexagonal plate-shaped ice crystals tumbling in the air.
An optical atmospheric phenomenon appearing as a rare, faint arc of light extending from the 22° parhelion (sun dog) downwards towards the 22° halo.
Arc of lowitz is usually specialized / scientific in register.
Arc of lowitz: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːk əv ˈləʊvɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrk əv ˈloʊvɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an artist named **Low** painting a bright **arc** in the sky that hangs **low** from a sundog.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SKY IS A CANVAS FOR OPTICAL ILLUSIONS.
Practice
Quiz
What scientific field primarily uses the term 'arc of Lowitz'?