ignis fatuus
ig·nis fat·u·us
noun \ˈig-nəs-ˈfa-chə-wəs, -ˈfach-wəs\ plural ig·nes fat·ui\-ˌnēz-ˈfa-chə-ˌwī\
Definition of IGNIS FATUUS
1
: a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter
2
: a deceptive goal or hope
Origin of IGNIS FATUUS
Medieval Latin, literally, foolish fire
First Known Use: 1563
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