mareel

From an unattested Norn term *mareld, from Old Norse mǫrueldr, from marr (“sea”) + eldr (“fire”). Compare Icelandic maurildi, Swedish mareld.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmɑːɹiːl/

mareel (uncountable)

1. (Shetland) Phosphorescence on the ocean.

   Coordinate term: milky sea

   • 1956, The Scots Magazine, volume 65, page 200:

     This is especially the case in late summer when the sea is aflame with mareel and the boats come and go with illumined wakes while the ghostly fire drips from the oar-blades.

• sea sparkle

• Almere, Lamere, Marlee, Mealer, leamer, mealer, realme