Brocken specter

noun

Brock·​en specter
ˈbräkən-
variants or Brocken bow
: an optical phenomenon sometimes seen from the summit of mountains or from an aircraft when the observer is between the sun and a mass of cloud, the figures of the observer and surrounding objects being seen projected on the cloud much enlarged and often encircled by rainbow colors compare glory sense 6a (3)

Word History

Etymology

from Brocken, peak in the Harz mountains, Germany; Brocken specter, translation of German Brockengespenst

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!

Dictionary Entries Near Brocken specter

Cite this Entry

“Brocken specter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Brocken%20specter. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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