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Saint Elmo's fire



Saint Elmo's fire, glowing electrical discharge seen at the tips of tall, pointed objects—e.g., church spires, ship masts, and airplane wings—in stormy weather. The negative electrical charge of the storm clouds induces a positive charge on the prominent structures. The impressive display is named (corruptly) for St. Erasmus, patron of sailors.



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21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia - Sade, Marquis de to Satire