sun pillar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “sun pillar” mean?
A vertical column of light, typically extending above or below the sun, caused by the reflection of sunlight from flat ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A vertical column of light, typically extending above or below the sun, caused by the reflection of sunlight from flat ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
In meteorology and atmospheric optics, it is a type of photometeor. It can also refer poetically or metaphorically to a shaft or column of light.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties, used primarily in scientific and weather-watching contexts.
Connotations
Neutral scientific description in both varieties. Can carry slight poetic or awe-inspiring connotations when used descriptively.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, found in meteorology texts, nature documentaries, and enthusiast reports of atmospheric phenomena.
Grammar
How to Use “sun pillar” in a Sentence
The sun pillar appeared (above/below the sun).We saw a sun pillar at sunrise.Ice crystals form a sun pillar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in meteorology, atmospheric physics, and earth science papers to describe specific optical phenomena.
Everyday
Used by photographers, nature enthusiasts, or in casual descriptions of a striking sunrise/sunset.
Technical
Precise term in atmospheric optics and weather observation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sun pillar”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sun pillar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sun pillar”
- Confusing it with a sunbeam or crepuscular ray (which are different phenomena). Using 'sun pillar' to refer to any random ray of light. Incorrect spelling: 'sunpillar' (should be two words or hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sunbeam (or crepuscular ray) is light streaming through gaps in clouds. A sun pillar is a vertical column caused by light reflecting off ice crystals.
No, by definition it requires the sun. However, a similar 'light pillar' phenomenon can occur around other bright light sources like the moon or streetlights under the right icy conditions.
It is typically written as two separate words ('sun pillar'), though hyphenated forms ('sun-pillar') are sometimes seen in technical texts.
In cold climates, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon and the air contains suspended ice crystals (e.g., diamond dust).
A vertical column of light, typically extending above or below the sun, caused by the reflection of sunlight from flat ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
Sun pillar is usually technical/descriptive in register.
Sun pillar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn ˌpɪl.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn ˌpɪl.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sun as a lighthouse and the pillar as its beam standing tall in the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A SOLID STRUCTURE (e.g., a pillar, column).
Practice
Quiz
What primary condition is necessary for a sun pillar to form?