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heiligenschein

noun
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hei·​li·​gen·​schein | \ ˈhīlə̇gənˌshīn \
plural -s

Definition of heiligenschein

: a bright light around the shadow of a person's head (as on a field or lawn) caused by diffraction and reflection of sunlight by dewdrops

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History and Etymology for heiligenschein

German, literally, halo, from heiliger saint (from heilig holy, from Old High German heilag) + schein shine, light, from Old High German scīn; akin to Old High German skīnan to shine

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Cite this Entry

“Heiligenschein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heiligenschein. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022.

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