Definition of parhelion

< parhelic circle

Paria, Gulf of >

par·he·li·on    (pär-hl-n, -hlyn) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. par·he·li·a  (-hl-, -hly) KEY 

A bright spot sometimes appearing on either side of the sun, often on a luminous ring or halo.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin parlion, from Greek : para-, beside ; see para-¹ + hlios, sun; see swel- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
par·helic  (-hlk) KEY (Adjective)