Noun: mirage mi'raazh
- An optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects
"The travellers saw a mirage of an oasis in the desert"
- Something illusory and unattainable
"The promise of instant wealth proved to be a mirage"
Derived forms: mirages
Type of: misconception, optical illusion
Encyclopedia: Mirage, Kansas