METEOR, (by the Greeks called μυτρία, q. d. sublima or "high raised;") by the Latins impressions, as making signs or impressions in the air), commonly denotes any bodies in the air that are of a flux or transitory nature. Hence it is extended to the phenomena of hail, rain, snow, thunder, &c.; but is most commonly confined to those unusual and fiery appearances named falling-stars, ignes fatui, aurora borealis, &c. whether they appear at a great distance from the earth or not. See METEOROLOGY.