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gegenschein

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noun, often capitalized ge·gen·schein \ˈgā-gən-ˌshīn\

Definition of gegenschein

: a faint light about 20° across on the celestial sphere opposite the sun probably caused by backscatter of sunlight by solar-system dust

Origin and Etymology of gegenschein

German, from gegen against, counter- + Schein shine

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First Known Use: 1877

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