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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
The northern lights are referred to in Finnish as revontulet, which literally translates as fox fire.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2022
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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 25 Dec. 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
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