phosphene
[ fos-feen ]
/ ˈfɒs fin /
noun Physiology.
a luminous image produced by mechanical stimulation of the retina, as by pressure applied to the eyeball by the finger when the lid is closed.
Origin of phosphene
1870–75; < French
phosphène, irregular < Greek
phôs light (contraction of
pháos) +
phaínein to show, shine
Words nearby phosphene
British Dictionary definitions for phosphene
phosphene
/ (ˈfɒsfiːn) /
noun
the sensation of light caused by pressure on the eyelid of a closed eye or by other mechanical or electrical interference with the visual system
Word Origin for phosphene
C19: from Greek
phōs light +
phainein to show
Medical definitions for phosphene
phosphene
[ fŏs′fēn′ ]
n.
A sensation of light caused by excitation of the retina by mechanical or electrical means rather than by light, as when the eyeballs are pressed through closed lids.