parhelic

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

par•he•li•on  (pär hē′lē ən, -hēl′yən), n., pl. -he•li•a (-hē′lē ə, -hēl′yə). [Meteorol.]

1. Astronomy, Meteorology a bright circular spot on a solar halo; a mock sun: usually one of two or more such spots seen on opposite sides of the sun, and often accompanied by additional luminous arcs and bands. Also called sundog. Cf. paraselene. 

• Greek paré̄lion, noun, nominal use of neuter of paré̄lios beside the sun. See par-, helio-
• alteration of Latin parēlion 1640–50

par•he′lic, par•he•li•a•cal  (pär′hi lī′ə kəl), adj.