Fata Morgana

[fah-tah mawr-gah-nah]

noun

1. Meteorology.,  a mirage consisting of multiple images, as of cliffs and buildings, that are distorted and magnified to resemble elaborate castles, often seen near the Straits of Messina.

Fata Morgana

/ ˈfɑːtə mɔːˈɡɑːnə, ˈfaːta mɔrˈɡaːna /

noun

1. a mirage, esp one in the Strait of Messina attributed to the sorcery of Morgan le Fay

Word History and Origins

Origin of Fata Morgana¹

1810–20; < Italian, translation of Morgan le Fay, associated in literature with magical castles

Word History and Origins

Origin of Fata Morgana¹

C19: from Italian: _{Morgan le Fay}