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phenomenon

phenomenon definition

phe·nom·enon (fə näm′ə nən, -nän′)

noun pl. phenomena -·na (-nə), phenomenons -·nons′

any event, circumstance, or experience that is apparent to the senses and that can be scientifically described or appraised, as an eclipse
in Kantian philosophy, a thing as it appears in perception as distinguished from the thing as it is in itself independent of sense experience
any extremely unusual or extraordinary thing or occurrence
Informal a person with an extraordinary quality, aptitude, etc.; prodigy

Etymology: LL phaenomenon < Gr phainomenon, neut. prp. of phainesthai, to appear, akin to phainein: see fantasy

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
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