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phenomenon

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The definition of a phenomenon is something that is observable or an extraordinary thing or person.

(noun)

An example of phenomenon is a lunar eclipse.
An example of phenomenon is a classical musical great such as Beethoven.

See phenomenon in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. phenomena , phenomenons

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

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

See phenomenon in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə)

An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses.
pl. phe·nom·e·nons
a. An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.
b. A remarkable or outstanding person; a paragon. See Synonyms at wonder.
Philosophy In the philosophy of Kant, an object as it is perceived by the senses, as opposed to a noumenon.
Physics An observable event.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin phaenomenon

Origin: , from Greek phainomenon

Origin: , from neuter present participle of phainesthai, to appear; see bhā-¹ in Indo-European roots

Usage Note: Phenomenon is the only singular form of this noun; phenomena is the usual plural. Phenomenons may also be used as the plural in nonscientific writing when the meaning is “extraordinary things, occurrences, or persons”: They were phenomenons in the history of music.

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