aurora

/əˈɹɔː.ɹə/

ƏɹƆː · ɹə (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 11,721

Definition

An atmospheric phenomenon created by charged particles from the sun striking the upper atmosphere, creating coloured lights in the sky. It is usually named australis or borealis based on whether it is in the Southern or Northern Hemisphere respectively.

Etymology

From Latin aurōra (“dawn”). Doublet of Eos.