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ignis fatuus

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noun ig·nis fat·u·us \ ˈig-nəs-ˈfa-chə-wəs , -ˈfach-wəs \

Definition of ignis fatuus

plural ignes fatui play \ˈig-ˌnēz-ˈfa-chə-ˌwī\
1 :a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter
2 :a deceptive goal or hope

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Origin and Etymology of ignis fatuus

Medieval Latin, literally, foolish fire

Learn More about ignis fatuus

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ignis fatuus

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