phenomena

[fi-nom-uh-nuh]

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon.

phenomena

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnə /

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon

Usage

As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular ( This phenomena will not be seen again ), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomena¹

First recorded in 1580–90 with spelling phænomena

Example Sentences

While there are extensive re-creations, several of the former students are interviewed, including Mr. DiCesare, and all are thoroughly convincing, or at least convinced, about the phenomena they claim to have witnessed.

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According to the scientists, this process is accompanied by the generation of particles with negative energy that is used to power extreme astrophysical phenomena like jets and plasma eruptions.

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Smith says he witnessed this phenomena, and at that point decided to create an event that focused on realism and dispensed with the notion that there could be any illusions or magic.

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Division and political violence are not new phenomena in America.

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The show also seeks to make some weather phenomena like hurricanes or thunderstorms less scary by helping the young audience understand the science behind what is happening.

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When To Use

What does phenomena mean?

Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon, which most generally refers to an observable occurrence or circumstance. For example, hurricanes and tornadoes are two kinds of weather phenomena.Phenomenon is also commonly used to refer to an extraordinary event or something that becomes the subject of widespread interest and attention, as in Both films have become worldwide phenomena.Sometimes, phenomenon refers to a person with an extraordinary talent or ability, especially a relatively young person who is considered a prodigy. The word phenom (a shortened form of phenomenon) is commonly used to mean the same thing, as in She became an internationally known chess phenom when she was just 14 years old. This sense of phenomenon is not commonly pluralized as phenomena.Example: Scientists are struggling to explain these strange phenomena, saying they’ve never seen anything like them.