Definition of mirage Mirage

/mɚɑˈʒ/ - [merash] - mi•rage

We found 10 definitions of mirage from 6 different sources.

What does mirage mean?

Noun Plural: mirages
mirage - an optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects
		optical illusion an optical phenomenon that results in a false or deceptive visual impression
mirage - something illusory and unattainable

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mirage (Noun)
An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, giving the appearance of there being refuge in the distance.
mirage (Noun)
An illusion.
mirage (Verb)
To cause to appear as or like a mirage.

mirage (n.)
An optical effect, sometimes seen on the ocean, but more frequently in deserts, due to total reflection of light at the surface common to two strata of air differently heated. The reflected image is seen, commonly in an inverted position, while the real object may or may not be in sight. When the surface is horizontal, and below the eye, the appearance is that of a sheet of water in which the object is seen reflected; when the reflecting surface is above the eye, the image is seen projected against the sky. The fata Morgana and looming are species of mirage.

mirage
An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, making far away objects appear being relatively close.
mirage
One of several types of jet aircraft designed by the French company Dassault Aviation (formerly Avions Marcel Dassault).

mirage
A word, which has crept into use since the French expedition to Egypt, to express the extraordinary refraction which light undergoes when strata of air, of different densities, extend above each other. The mirage, reflecting objects at a great height, inverts and doubles the image.