ignis fatuus
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ig·nis fat·u·us

noun \ˈig-nəs-ˈfa-chə-wəs, -ˈfach-wəs\
plural ig·nes fat·ui \-ˌnēz-ˈfa-chə-ˌwī\

Definition of IGNIS FATUUS

1
: a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter
2
: a deceptive goal or hope

Origin of IGNIS FATUUS

Medieval Latin, literally, foolish fire
First Known Use: 1563

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