[ 'mɪrα:ʒ , mɪ'rα:ʒ ]
■ noun
1》 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.
2》 an unrealistic hope or wish that cannot be achieved.
Origin
C19: from Fr., from se mirer 'be reflected', from L. mirare 'look at'.