mirage
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪrɑːʒ, mɪˈrɑːʒ/
noun
- 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: the surface of the road ahead rippled in the heat mirages
- an unrealistic hope or wish that cannot be achieved: the hope of sanctuary initially proved a mirage
Origin:
early 19th century: from French, from se mirer 'be reflected', from Latin mirare 'look at'