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

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

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 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!