gegenschein

[gey-guh n-shahyn]

noun Astronomy.

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.

Compare zodiacal light.

Origin of gegenschein

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

Also called counterglow.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for gegenschein

Historical Examples of gegenschein

These are known respectively as the Zodiacal Light and the Gegenschein.
Astronomy of To-day
Cecil G. Dolmage
Barnard finds that the Gegenschein is not so faint as is generally supposed.
Astronomical Curiosities
J. Ellard Gore
The Gegenschein is an extremely elusive phenomenon, suitable only for eyes that have been specially trained to see it.
Curiosities of the Sky
Garrett Serviss
M. Quénisset notes that—as in the case of the Zodiacal Light—the southern border of the Gegenschein is sharper than the northern.
Astronomical Curiosities
J. Ellard Gore
He must moreover sign with his own hand the so-called «Gegenschein» (Counter-certificate) to be found in the deposit book.
Social Comptabilism, Cheque and Clearing Service & Proposed Law
Ernest Solvay

British Dictionary definitions for gegenschein

gegenschein

noun

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

Word Origin for gegenschein

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012