Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fata-morgana

noun

/ˌfɑːtə mɔːrˈɡɑːnə/

Definition

A complex form of superior mirage that is seen in the polar regions and results from the refraction of light rays passing through air layers of different temperatures.

Examples

In the early morning, a fata-morgana caused the distant ship to appear as if it were soaring in the sky.
Legend has it that sailors would be misled by fata-morgana, thinking they had spotted land when it was just an optical illusion.
As the sun set, we witnessed a stunning fata-morgana that made the cliffs look like a castle in the air.

Meaning

Fata-morgana is often characterized by the appearance of objects that are distorted or appear to float above the horizon. It is named after the Arthurian sorceress Morgan le Fay, who was said to create illusions.