mirage

mi-rage · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of water or other images in a desert or on a hot road.

  2. 2.

    Something that appears real or possible but is not; an illusion or fantasy.

Forms

plural: mirages

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chase a mirage — to pursue something unattainable
  • •
    desert mirage — an optical illusion in desert conditions

Related words

See also: apparition, hallucination, illusion
Synonyms: chimera, fantasy, hallucination, illusion

Etymology

From French mirage, from se mirer ("to be reflected, to look at oneself"), from Latin mirare ("to look at, wonder at"), from mirus ("wonderful"). Entered English in the early 19th century.