mirage
nounfeminine/miˈɾaʒɐ̃j̃/medium
mi·ra·gem
Definition
An optical phenomenon where images of distant objects appear distorted or inverted, usually on hot surfaces like deserts; an illusion.
The travellers in the desert were fooled by a mirage.
The prosperity he promised was just a mirage.
Common collocations
desert miragesee a mirageoptical mirage
Etymology
Do francês 'mirage'.