METEOR, (by the Greeks called μετὰρ, q. d. sublimate 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 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, auroræ boreales, &c. See METEOROLOGY.