optical illusion

noun

1. illusion4

optical illusion

noun

1. an object causing a false visual impression
2. an instance of deception by such an object

Word History and Origins

Origin of optical illusion¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

When it came, the effect was instantly disorienting, like switching between images in an optical illusion.

From MIT Technology Review

Seth takes the reader through a fun litany of optical illusions and demonstrations, some quite familiar and others less so.

From MIT Technology Review

Add that to the theory that various forms of life travel across the universe through asteroids and other debris, and you have a hypothesis more credible than distant sightings by pilots that could be explained in part by optical illusions.

From Ozy

One of the areas of cultural study that first hooked her had to do with optical illusions.

From Freakonomics

Leaning at a seemingly unsustainable angle, Menashe Kadishman’s “Suspended” is a clever optical illusion that made me feel it was paused in time, but it could come crashing down if I hit the proverbial play button.

From Washington Post

Strauss-Kahn's sudden, astounding, and very definitive-seeming fall might make an optical illusion of his comeback rise.

From The Daily Beast

The burning atmosphere, the motionless air caused doubtless the optical illusion.

From Project Gutenberg

But they had, or maybe it was optical illusion on my part, illusion fostered by mental unrest.

From Project Gutenberg

When the hand moves back from the brighter light, as it disappears,—is it an optical illusion?

From Project Gutenberg

According to Helmholtz, it is senseless to ask whether cinnabar is red as we see it or is only so as an optical illusion.

From Project Gutenberg

I stand, as it were, before the raree-show: I see the little puppets move, and I ask whether it is not an optical illusion.

From Project Gutenberg