foxfire

Or fox-fire

[foks-fahy^uhr]

noun

Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. organic luminescence, especially from certain fungi on decaying wood.

2. any of various fungi causing luminescence in decaying wood.

foxfire

/ ˈfɒksˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a luminescent glow emitted by certain fungi on rotting wood See also bioluminescence

Word History and Origins

Origin of foxfire¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; fox, fire

Example Sentences

We had a “How I Met Your Mother”-themed date night for which we suited up, went to Foxfire in Yorba Linda, sang karaoke and played laser tag afterward.

From Los Angeles Times

She said about half of her research is still done offline using books like “Foxfire 5,” a chronicle of Appalachian life published in 1979.

From New York Times

All nine cabins are available, which range from snug honeymooners like tiny Bluebell, where my wife and I stayed over Christmas 2018, to spacious Foxfire, a veritable chalet that can sleep up to 10.

From Seattle Times

Kira is a Thunder Kitsune with powers over electricity and foxfire.

From Salon

Jennings likes Foxfire, a day-bloomer sporting violet blooms with yellow centers and purple variegated foliage.

From Washington Post