mirage

English Thesaurus

1. something illusory and unattainable (noun.cognition)

hypernym	:	misconception,
definition	:	an incorrect conception (noun.cognition)

2. an optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects (noun.phenomenon)

hypernym	:	optical illusion,
definition	:	an optical phenomenon that results in a false or deceptive visual impression (noun.phenomenon)

hyponym	:	fata morgana,
definition	:	a mirage in the Strait of Messina (attributed to the Arthurian sorcerer Morgan le Fay) (noun.phenomenon)