phenomena

[ fi-nom-uh-nuh ]
/ fɪˈnɒm ə nə /

noun

a plural of phenomenon.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH phenomena

phenomena phenomenal phenomenon (see usage note at phenomenon)

Definition for phenomena (2 of 2)

phenomenon
[ fi-nom-uh-non, -nuhn ]
/ fɪˈnɒm əˌnɒn, -nən /

noun, plural phe·nom·e·na [fi-nom-uh-nuh] /fɪˈnɒm ə nə/ or especially for 3, phe·nom·e·nons.

a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable: to study the phenomena of nature.
something that is impressive or extraordinary.
a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.
Philosophy.
  1. an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.
  2. Kantianism. a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.

Origin of phenomenon

1595–1605; < Late Latin phaenomenon < Greek phainómenon appearance, noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai to appear, passive of phaínein to show

usage note for phenomenon

As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular ( This phenomena will not be seen again ), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH phenomenon

phenomena phenomenal phenomenon (see usage note at the current entry)

Example sentences from the Web for phenomena

British Dictionary definitions for phenomena (1 of 2)

phenomena
/ (fɪˈnɒmɪnə) /

noun

a plural of phenomenon

British Dictionary definitions for phenomena (2 of 2)

phenomenon
/ (fɪˈnɒmɪnən) /

noun plural -ena (-ɪnə) or -enons

anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses
any remarkable occurrence or person
philosophy
  1. the object of perception, experience, etc
  2. (in the writings of Kant) a thing as it appears and is interpreted in perception and reflection, as distinguished from its real nature as a thing-in-itselfCompare noumenon

Word Origin for phenomenon

C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show

usage for phenomenon

Although phenomena is often treated as if it were singular, correct usage is to employ phenomenon with a singular construction and phenomena with a plural: that is an interesting phenomenon (not phenomena); several new phenomena were recorded in his notes

Medical definitions for phenomena

phenomenon
[ fĭ-nŏmə-nŏn′, -nən ]

n.

An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses, especially one in relation to a disease.
An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.