foxfire

American  

[foks-fahy^uhr] / ˈfɒksˌfaɪər /

Or fox-fire

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.

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foxfire British  

/ ˈfɒksˌfaɪə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of foxfire

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

Example Sentences

The only light inside the vessel was provided by a piece of fungus-covered rotting wood, which gave off a soft glow known as foxfire.

From Literature

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