/
ˈmɪrɑːʒ,
mɪˈrɑːʒ/
n.
- an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air.
- an unrealistic hope or wish that cannot be achieved.
Etymology
C19: from Fr., from se mirer ‘be reflected’, from L. mirare ‘look at’.