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View synonyms for ignis fatuus

ignis fatuus

[ ig-nis fach-oo-uhs ]

noun

, plural ig·nes fat·u·i [ig, -neez , fach, -oo-ahy].
  1. Also called friar's lantern, will-o'-the-wisp. a flitting phosphorescent light seen at night, chiefly over marshy ground, and believed to be due to spontaneous combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter.
  2. something deluding or misleading.


ignis fatuus

/ ˈɪɡnɪs ˈfætjʊəs /

noun

  1. another name for will-o'-the-wisp
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of ignis fatuus1

1555–65; < Medieval Latin: literally, foolish fire
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ignis fatuus1

C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: foolish fire
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Example Sentences

This was doubtless a true ignis fatuus, and the circumstances necessary to produce it were then present, viz.

Thus far the Hofrath; who vanishes, as is his wont, too like an Ignis Fatuus, leaving the dark still darker.

Still the ignis fatuus of a shorter route to India tantalized the early navigators.

He had not been imposed upon by his fancy; he had not been deceived by some ignis fatuus.

It is, in truth, a shadow as intangible as our own; an ignis fatuus of our being.

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