parhelion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific, Literary
Quick answer
What does “parhelion” mean?
A bright spot in the sky appearing on either side of the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bright spot in the sky appearing on either side of the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere; a sundog.
In wider usage, it can refer to any bright, illusory or secondary image accompanying a primary source, often used metaphorically in literature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific or literary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialized texts and high-register prose.
Grammar
How to Use “parhelion” in a Sentence
A parhelion appeared (to the left of the sun).They observed a brilliant parhelion.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parhelion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The parhelic display was spectacular.
- Parhelic arcs are closely studied.
American English
- The parhelic display was spectacular.
- Parhelic arcs are closely studied.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in papers on meteorology, atmospheric physics, and climate science.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in meteorology and optics for the specific phenomenon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parhelion”
- Misspelling as 'parelion' or 'parheleon'.
- Using it as a general term for any halo or ring around the sun.
- Incorrect plural: 'parhelions' is acceptable, but 'parhelia' is the standard Latinate plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A parhelion (sundog) is a specific bright spot often seen on a halo ring, but the halo itself is the larger, fainter circle.
No. By definition, a parhelion is a 'mock sun' and requires the sun. The lunar equivalent is called a paraselene or 'mock moon'.
No, it is a rare, specialized term. In everyday language, 'sundog' is more common, though still not frequent.
The correct plural is 'parhelia', following its Greek/Latin origin, though 'parhelions' is sometimes used.
A bright spot in the sky appearing on either side of the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Parhelion is usually technical/scientific, literary in register.
Parhelion: in British English it is pronounced /pɑːˈhiːlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɑːrˈhiːliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARhelion: Picture A 'PAR'allel sun (a pair of suns) beside the real one.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PARHELION is a FALSE COMPANION or an ILLUSORY DOUBLE (e.g., 'The celebrity's fame was merely a parhelion to her profound loneliness.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of a parhelion?