apparition Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a ghostly appearing figure
    phantom; fantasm; spectre; phantasma; phantasm; specter.
    • we were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us
  2. noun the appearance of a ghostlike figure
    • I was recalled to the present by the apparition of a frightening specter
  3. noun something existing in perception only
    phantom; fantasm; phantasma; shadow; phantasm.
    • a ghostly apparition at midnight
  4. noun an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly
    • natives were amazed at the apparition of this white stranger

WordNet

Ap`pa*ri"tion noun
Etymology
F. apparition, L. apparitio, fr. apparere. See Appear.
Definitions
  1. The act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility. Milton.
    The sudden apparition of the Spaniards. 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; a ghost; a specter; a phantom.
    "The heavenly bands . . . a glorious apparition." Milton.
    I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. Shak.
  4. (Astron.) The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured; -- opposed to occultation.

Webster 1913