Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

anthelion

noun
Save Word
ant·​he·​li·​on | \ (ˈ)ant¦hēlyən, (ˈ)an¦thē-, -lēən \
plural anthelia\ -​yə , -​ēə \ or anthelions

Definition of anthelion

: the brightish white halolike spot appearing occasionally on the parhelic circle opposite the sun

— called also antisun, countersun

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of anthelion

1670, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anthelion

Greek anthēlion, from neuter of anthēlios, alteration of antēlios opposite the sun, from anti- anti- entry 1 + hēlios sun

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about anthelion

Time Traveler for anthelion

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthelion was in 1670

See more words from the same year

Statistics for anthelion

Cite this Entry

“Anthelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthelion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on anthelion

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with anthelion

Comments on anthelion

What made you want to look up anthelion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

emulate

Listen to the pronunciation of emulate

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A More Exception(al) Quiz

  • hot dog hot dog hot dog hot dog cat
  • Which of the following words is not a synonym for ‘a young person’?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games