online medical dictionary | definition of apparition

1. The act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility. "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." "I think it is the weakness of mine eyes" "That shapes this monstrous apparition." (Shak)

4. <astronomy> The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured; opposed to occultation. Circle of perpetual apparition. See Circle.

Origin: F. Apparition, L. Apparitio, fr. Apparere. See Appear.

(01 Mar 1998)