circumhorizontal arc

noun

cir·​cum·​horizontal arc
: a colored halo of 90° extent or less that is red on the upper side, parallel to the horizon and 46° or a little more below the sun, and produced by the refraction of light across 90° angles at the undersides of ice crystals in suspension in the air

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Dictionary Entries Near circumhorizontal arc

Cite this Entry

“Circumhorizontal arc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumhorizontal%20arc. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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