parhelion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a bright spot on the parhelic circle; caused by diffraction by ice crystals
    mock sun; sundog.
    • two or more parhelia are usually seen at once

WordNet

Par*hel"ion noun
Etymology
L. parelion, Gr. , beside + the sun.
Wordforms
plural Parhelia
Definitions
  1. A mock sun appearing in the form of a bright light, sometimes near the sun, and tinged with colors like the rainbow, and sometimes opposite to the sun. The latter is usually called an anthelion. Often several mock suns appear at the same time. Cf. Paraselene.

Webster 1913