An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An optical phenomenon resulting from the refraction and reflection of moonlight within ice crystals in cirrus cloud; also known as paraselene,
mock Moon or moondog. It is the lunar counterpart of the → parhelion.

Etymology (EN): From Gk. para- “beside,” → para-, + selene “moon,” from Gk. selene “moon,” related to selas “light, brightness, flame.”

Etymology (PE): Pârâ-, → para-, + mâh, → moon.