mirage
Cross references: 1. delusion mi.rage \m*-'ra:zh\ n [F, fr. mirer to look at, fr. L mirari] 1a: an optical phenomenon produced by a layer of heated air of varying dens ity across which are seen usu. inverted reflections of distant objects 1b: an atmospheric phenomenon in which the air appears to move in ascending waves 2: something illusory and unattainable like a mirage