ignis fatuus

noun

ig·nis fat·u·us | \ ˈig-nəs-ˈfa-chə-wəs

How to pronounce ignis fatuus (audio)

, -ˈfach-wəs\

plural ignes fatui\ ˈig-ˌnēz-ˈfa-chə-ˌwī

How to pronounce ignes fatui (audio)

\

Definition of ignis fatuus

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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Dictionary Entries near ignis fatuus

ignition charge

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The first known use of ignis fatuus was in 1563

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