Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article on Ignis Fatuus The combination of methane and decaying plants found in bogs and swamps can result in a visible glow or pale fire at dusk or in the dark. One of the many names for this is ignis fatuus – it is also known as a Will o` the Wisp or a monk`s lantern. There are many myths that explain ignis fatuus and blame ghosts, fairies and devils for scary lights. In modern Latin, ignis fatuus literally means “senseless fire.” Monk lantern, ignis fatuus, jack-o`-lantern, will-o`-the-wispnoun “Ignis fatuus”. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignis%20fatuus. Retrieved 21 October 2022. Etymology: neo-Latin, from ignis (meaning “fire”) + fatuus (meaning “senseless”). Literally “senseless fire”. These sample phrases are automatically selected from various online information sources to reflect the current use of the word “ignis fatuus”. The views expressed in the examples do not represent the views of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us your feedback.

Nevertheless, the ignis fatuus of a shorter route to India attracted early sailors. It is, in truth, a shadow as intangible as ours; An ignis fatuus of our being. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ignis fatuus Etymology: [L. ignis fire + stupid fatuus. So named after its tendency to mislead travelers.] A bright and mysterious light you see at night in a swamp or swamp is an ignis fatuus. An ignis fatuus is caused by a chemical reaction but appears ghostly. He had not been compelled by his imagination; He had not been deceived by any Ignis Fatuus. It was undoubtedly a true ignis fatuus, and the necessary circumstances were given at the time, namely. The abdication of faith makes behavior small – better an ignis fatuus than no enlightenment at all. phosphorescent light that appears over marshy soil at night and is caused by the decomposition of animal or plant substances or by a combustible gas; — popularly also called Will-mit-der-Irrlichter, or Will-o`-der-Irrlichter, and Jack-mit-der-Laterne or Jack-o`-Laterne, hitherto the Hofrath; who disappears, as usual, also like an Ignis Fatuus and leaves the darkness even darker. A pale light that can sometimes be seen on marshy ground at night Vapours produced from rotten water are usually called ignes fatui. Read the full text of Ignis Fatuus` poem by Ambrose Bierce on Poetry.com`s website.