facula

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfakjʊlə/

noun (plural faculae /-liː/)

  • a bright region on the surface of the sun, linked to the subsequent appearance of sunspots in the same area.
  • a bright spot on the surface of a planet.

Derivatives

facular

adjective

Origin:

early 18th century: from Latin, diminutive of fax, fac- 'torch'