A phosphorescent light seen over marshy ground at night, caused by
spontaneous combustion of gases emitted by decomposing organic matter.
A synonym is foxfire (not Firefox), especially for luminescence produced by fungi.
[The first use of the term is in John Milton's 1632 poem L'Allegro:
"She was pinched and pulled, she said; / And he, by Friar's lantern led."]
Dec 20, 2007
Comments for ceria
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.
ceria commented on the word syllogistic
from wordsmith:
syllogistic (sil-uh-JIS-tik) adjective
1. Of or relating to syllogism (a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion).
2. Subtle or specious.
noun
1. Deductive reasoning.
2. A subtle or specious piece of reasoning.
Dec 20, 2007
ceria commented on the word friar's lantern
From wordsmith:
A phosphorescent light seen over marshy ground at night, caused by
spontaneous combustion of gases emitted by decomposing organic matter.
A synonym is foxfire (not Firefox), especially for luminescence produced by fungi.
[The first use of the term is in John Milton's 1632 poem L'Allegro:
"She was pinched and pulled, she said; / And he, by Friar's lantern led."]
Dec 20, 2007