Noun

apparition (plural apparitions)

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. --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
• See also Wikisaurus:ghost

Related terms

• apparent
• appearance

French

Apparition