gegenschein

noun

ge·​gen·​schein ˈgā-gən-ˌshīn How to pronounce gegenschein (audio)
often capitalized
: a faint light about 20° across on the celestial sphere opposite the sun probably caused by backscatter of sunlight by solar-system dust

Examples of gegenschein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The summer night sky can be so dark and clear that zodiacal light (sunlight scattered by dust in space) and gegenschein (a faint brightening of zodiacal light at midnight) can be visible. Michelle Krupa, CNN, 19 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

German, from gegen against, counter- + Schein shine

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gegenschein was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near gegenschein

Cite this Entry

“Gegenschein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gegenschein. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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