Apparition

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˌæp.É™(ɹ)ˈɪʃnÌ©/
• US IPA: /ˌæp.ɚˈɪʃ.nÌ©/, /ˌæp.ɚˈɪ.ʃən/

Origin

From French apparition, from Latin apparitio, from appareo.

Full definition of apparition

Noun

1. An act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility.The sudden apparition of the Spaniards. – William H. Prescott.The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse occasioned much speculation in that portion of the world. – Sir W. Scott.
2. The thing appearing; a visible object; a form.Which apparition, it seems, was you. – Tatler.
3. An unexpected, wonderful, or preternatural appearance; especially something such as a ghost or phantom.The heavenly bands . . . a glorious apparition. – John Milton.I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. – William Shakespeare
4. (astronomy) The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured;—opposed to occultation.

Synonyms

• (act of becoming visible) appearance
• (a preternatural appearance) vision

Related terms

• apparent
• appearance