anthelion

noun

ant·​he·​li·​on

(ˈ)ant¦hēlyən,

(ˈ)an¦thē-,

-lēən

plural anthelia

-yə,

-ēə

or anthelions

: the brightish white halolike spot appearing occasionally on the parhelic circle opposite the sun

called also antisun, countersun

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthēlion, from neuter of anthēlios, alteration of antēlios opposite the sun, from anti- anti- entry 1 + hēlios sun

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

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