Definition of ignis fatuus

Reference

ig·nis fat·u·us

(

s f

s) KEY

NOUN:
pl. ig·nes fat·u·i (

z f

) KEY

A phosphorescent light that hovers or flits over swampy ground at night, possibly caused by spontaneous combustion of gases emitted by rotting organic matter. Also called friar's lantern, jack-o'-lantern, will-o'-the-wisp, wisp.
Something that misleads or deludes; an illusion.

ETYMOLOGY:
Medieval Latin : Latin ignis, fire + Latin fatuus, foolish

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