gegenschein

[gey-guhn-shahyn]

noun

Astronomy.

1. a faint, elliptical patch of light in the night sky that appears opposite the sun, being a reflection of sunlight by meteoric material in space.

gegenschein

/ ˈɡeɪɡənˌʃaɪn /

noun

1. Also called: counterglow. a faint glow in the sky, just visible at a position opposite to that of the sun and having a similar origin to zodiacal light

Word History and Origins

Origin of gegenschein¹

First recorded in 1875–80, gegenschein is from the German word Gegenschein counterglow

Word History and Origins

Origin of gegenschein¹

German, from gegen against, opposite + Schein light; see _shine

Example Sentences

Two to look for: the gegenschein and zodiacal light.

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"Who else knows the gegenschein is broken glass?"

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