mirage

mi·rage

noun \mə-ˈräzh\

Definition of MIRAGE

1

: an optical effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, that may have the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of rays of light by a layer of heated air of varying density

2

: something illusory and unattainable like a mirage

Examples of MIRAGE

1. A peaceful solution proved to be a mirage.

Origin of MIRAGE

French, from mirer to look at, from Latin mirari

First Known Use: 1803

Rhymes with MIRAGE

barrage, collage, corsage, dressage, frottage, garage, gavage, lavage, massage, ménage, montage, moulage, portage, potage, treillage, triage