An optical illusion caused by light bending through hot air, often appearing as a shimmering pool of water in a desert; also used metaphorically for something that appears real but is actually impossible or unattainable.
From French 'mirage' (a reflection or illusion), derived from Latin 'mirare' (to look at or wonder), related to 'mirror.' The word traveled from optical science into everyday metaphor.
Mirages aren't just tricks of the eye—they're actually real light being bent by layers of hot air at different temperatures, so you're literally seeing the sky reflected upside down, which is why animals do get fooled by them!
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