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.
- an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.
- Kantianism. a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.
VIDEO FOR PHENOMENON
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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
SYNONYMS FOR phenomenon
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)Words nearby phenomenon
phenomena,
phenomenal,
phenomenalism,
phenomenalize,
phenomenology,
phenomenon,
phenoplast,
phenosafranine,
phenothiazine,
phenotype,
phenotypic value
Example sentences from the Web for phenomenon
British Dictionary definitions for phenomenon
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
- the object of perception, experience, etc
- (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 phenomenon
phenomenon
[ fĭ-nŏm′ə-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.