parhelion

par·he·lion

noun \pär-ˈhēl-yən\

plural par·he·lia\-yə\

Definition of PARHELION

: any of several bright spots often tinged with color that often appear on the parhelic circle —called also sun dog

— par·he·lic \-ˈhē-lik\ adjective

Origin of PARHELION

Latin parelion, from Greek parēlion, from para- + hēlios sun — more at solar

First Known Use: 1647

Rhymes with PARHELION

aphelion, Aurelian, carnelian, chameleon, cornelian, Mendelian