parhelion noun. [pɑ:'hi:lɪǝn] Pl. -ia [-ɪǝ], -ions. Also parelion. M17.
[Latin parelion, Greek parēlion, -os, from para- PARA-¹ + hēlios sun.]
1. A bright spot on a solar halo or parhelic circle, freq. occurring in pairs on either side of the sun and sometimes prismatically coloured; a mock sun, a sun-dog. M17.

2. fig. An image or reflection of something. M17.

■ parhelic adjective pertaining to or resembling a parhelion;

■ parhelic circle,

■ parhelic ring, a band of light parallel to the horizon and passing through the sun, caused by reflection of light by atmospheric ice crystals, seen esp. around sunset: L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲