WORD OF THE DAY
A glowing, mysterious light that you see at night in a swamp or marsh is an ignis fatuus. An ignis fatuus is caused by a chemical reaction, but it looks ghostly.
The combination of methane gas and decaying plants that's found in bogs and swamps can result in a glow or pale fire that's visible at dusk or in the dark. One of many names for this is ignis fatuus — it's also known as a will o' the wisp or a friar's lantern. There are numerous myths explaining the ignis fatuus, holding ghosts, fairies, and devils responsible for the spooky lights. In modern Latin, ignis fatuus literally means "foolish fire."
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Vocabulary lists containing ignis fatuus
The ancients believed that the universe was composed of five basic elements: earth, air, fire, water, and sky. The Greek and Latin words for these elements still show up in our language today. Learn these words that come from the Latin word ignis, meaning "fire." Here are links to our complete set of Elements of the Universe lists: Cosm, Cosmo ("Universe") / Terr, Terra ("Earth") / Geo ("Earth") / Hydr, Hydro ("Water") / Aqua ("Water") / Ign, Igni ("Fire") / Pyr, Pyro ("Fire") / Aer, Aero ("Air") / Aether ("Sky") / Aster, Astro ("Star") / Sol ("Sun")
Jane is a strong-willed young woman who finds employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Edward Rochester and learns his darkest secret.
First published in 1792, this essay argues that women should have access to the same educational opportunities afforded to men. Read the full text here.
Learn these words derived from the roots ign and pyr, meaning "fire."
King Henry IV contends with unrest on England's borders, a group of rebellious noblemen, and his unruly son.
