aurora borealis

Definition

The aurora of the northern hemisphere.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from New Latin aurōra boreālis (lit. "northern dawn").

Example Sentences

• "Superintendent Chalmers: Yes, I should be—Good Lord what is happening in there!? Principal Skinner: Aurora borealis. Superintendent Chalmers: Uh—Aurora borealis, at this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localised entirely within your kitchen? Principal Skinner: Yes. Superintendent Chalmers: May I see it? Principal Skinner: No."
• "A common and beautiful side-effect of high solar activity is the Aurora Borealis - the northern lights that dance across Arctic skies."