Definition of Phantom

1. Noun. A ghostly appearing figure. "We were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us"

Exact synonyms: Apparition, Fantasm, Phantasm, Phantasma, Specter, Spectre
Generic synonyms: Disembodied Spirit, Spirit
Specialized synonyms: Flying Dutchman
Derivative terms: Phantasmal

2. Adjective. Something apparently sensed but having no physical reality. "The amputee's illusion of a phantom limb"
Similar to: Unreal

3. Noun. Something existing in perception only. "A ghostly apparition at midnight"

Definition of Phantom

1. n. That which has only an apparent existence; an apparition; a specter; a phantasm; a sprite; an airy spirit; an ideal image.

2. a. Being, or of the nature of, a phantom.

Definition of Phantom

1. Proper noun. Nickname of the F-4B jet fighter flown by Marines in Vietnam ¹

2. Proper noun. The comic The Phantom, and the character in it by the same name ¹

3. Noun. Something apparently seen, heard, or sensed, but having no physical reality; a ghost or apparition; something elusive or delusive. ¹

4. Noun. An image that appears only in the mind; an illusion. ¹

5. Adjective. illusive ¹

6. Adjective. fictitious or nonexistent ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Phantom

1. something existing in appearance only [n -S]

Medical Definition of Phantom

1. That which has only an apparent existence; an apparition; a specter; a phantasm; a sprite; an airy spirit; an ideal image. "Strange phantoms rising as the mists arise." (Pope) "She was a phantom of delight." (Wordsworth) Phantom ship. See Flying Dutchman, under Flying. Phantom tumour, a swelling, especially of the abdomen, due to muscular spasm, accumulation of flatus, etc, simulating an actual tumour in appearance, but disappearing upon the administration of an anaesthetic. Origin: OE. Fantome, fantosme, fantesme, OF. Fantome, fr. L. Phantasma, Gr, fr. To show. See Fancy, and cf. Phaeton, Phantasm, Phase. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Phantom

phantasmophobia
phantasmoscopia
phantasms
phantast
phantastic
phantastical
phantasticall
phantastically
phantastick
phantastique
phantasts
phantasy
phantasy life
phantasy world
phantasying
phantom (current term)
phantom aneurysm
phantom corpuscle
phantom limb
phantom limb pain
phantom limb syndrome
phantom limbs
phantom orchid
phantom pain
phantom pains
phantom pregnancy
phantom punch
phantom tumour
phantomatic
phantomise

Literary usage of Phantom

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1884)
"It seems to me geometrically demonstrable; and it includes the phantom meshes' gigantic size, their bewildering motions, their conspicuousness even to eyes ..."

2. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1920)
"At the points indicated by small circles, special types of transpositions are placed to admit of phantom circuit working (described below). ..."

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