How Do You Spell FATA MORGANA?

1. Fata morgana is a noun that refers to a complex and unusual form of mirage that creates the illusion of distorted and unreachable objects or landscapes. It is derived from the Italian term "Fata Morgana," which translates to "Morgan le Fay" in English, a sorceress from Arthurian legend known for her shape-shifting abilities.

   In meteorology, a fata morgana occurs when light rays pass through layers of air with different temperatures, causing the rays to bend and create optical illusions. This atmospheric phenomenon is commonly witnessed in hot and cold climates, particularly above bodies of water, such as the ocean or large lakes. Fata morgana often manifests as shimmering, elongated, and displaced images, which can range from inverted reflections of distant objects to seemingly floating structures or mirroring entire landscapes.

   This mirage effect is enhanced by atmospheric conditions, such as a thermal inversion, where cold air rests above warmer air, leading to a bending of light. The phenomenon can also be influenced by varying humidity levels and wind patterns. Fata morgana, although visually captivating, can distort perception and create confusion, as the apparent objects or landscapes are often unattainable or non-existent.

   In a broader sense, fata morgana is sometimes used metaphorically to describe any illusion or deceptive appearance that misleads or distorts reality.

2. A name for the phenomenon of the mirage at sea-especially applied to that seen in the Straits of Messina.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FATA MORGANA

The term "fata morgana" has its origins in Italian. It is derived from two separate Italian words: "fata", meaning "fairy", and "morgana", which refers to Morgan le Fay, a sorceress from Arthurian legends. The term was first popularized in the early 19th century by the Italian poet and writer, Lorenzo Magalotti, who used it to describe a specific type of mirage. In the mirage, distant objects appear to be floating or suspended in mid-air, creating an illusion similar to the enchantments often associated with fairy tales and myths. Thus, the term "fata morgana" was coined to evoke the magical and illusory nature of this specific mirage phenomenon.

Idioms with the word FATA MORGANA