parhelic circle

noun

: a luminous circle or halo parallel to the horizon at the altitude of the sun

called also parhelic ring

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The glowing slash, known as a parhelic circle, often only shows up in segments, but sometimes can present as a full circle in the sky. —

Mika Mckinnon, Smithsonian, 5 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'parhelic circle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of parhelic circle was in 1886

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Parhelic circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parhelic%20circle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation