phosphene

[ fos-feen ]

nounPhysiology.
  1. a luminous image produced by mechanical stimulation of the retina, as by pressure applied to the eyeball by the finger when the lid is closed.

Origin of phosphene

1
1870–75; <French phosphène, irregular <Greek phôs light (contraction of pháos) + phaínein to show, shine

Words Nearby phosphene

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British Dictionary definitions for phosphene

phosphene

/ (ˈfɒsfiːn) /


noun
  1. the sensation of light caused by pressure on the eyelid of a closed eye or by other mechanical or electrical interference with the visual system

Origin of phosphene

1
C19: from Greek phōs light + phainein to show

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