aurora borealis

Learned borrowing from New Latin aurōra boreālis.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /əˌɹɔːɹ.ə ˈbɔːɹ.i.æl.ɪs/

• Audio (US)

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aurora borealis

1. The aurora of the northern hemisphere.

   Synonyms: northern dawn, northern lights

   Coordinate terms: aurora australis, southern lights

   • 1996 April 14, “22 Short Films About Springfield”, in The Simpsons, season 7, episode 21:

     Superintendent Chalmers: Yes, I should be—Good Lord what is happening in there!?
     Principal Skinner: Aurora borealis.
     Superintendent Chalmers: Uh—Aurora borealis, at this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localised entirely within your kitchen?
     Principal Skinner: Yes.
     Superintendent Chalmers: May I see it?
     Principal Skinner: No.