fox fire

noun

: an eerie phosphorescent light (as of decaying wood)
also : a luminous fungus (such as Panellus stipticus) that causes decaying wood to glow

Examples of fox fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The northern lights are referred to in Finnish as revontulet, which literally translates as fox fire. David Nikel, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fox fire was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fox fire

Cite this Entry

“Fox fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fox%20fire. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fox fire

noun
: an eerie glow seen at night in woods and bogs that is caused by a fungus in decaying wood
Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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