figment

American  

[fig-muhnt] / ˈfɪg mənt /

noun

1. a mere product of mental invention; a fantastic notion.

   The noises in the attic were just a figment of his imagination.

2. a feigned, invented, or imagined story, theory, etc..

   biographical and historical figments.

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figment British  

/ ˈfɪɡmənt /

noun

1. a fantastic notion, invention, or fabrication

   a figment of the imagination

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Related Words

See fiction.

Etymology

Origin of figment

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin figmentum “something made or feigned,” equivalent to fig- (base of fingere “to mold, feign”) + -mentum -ment; fiction ( def. )

Example Sentences

And if this ends up being nothing more than a figment of my imagination, where’s the harm in choosing not to question it, if it gives me something I’ve been so painfully missing.

From Salon

Who knows, maybe the daughter is a figment of her imagination too, though I don’t think the movie supports such a reading.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, the threat from Hamilton was so distant as to be almost a figment of the imagination.

From BBC

But how well will they win - and how intoxicating will that half-back partnership prove now that it is almost a reality rather than an exciting figment of the imagination?

From BBC

As a figment of Charles’ imagination, Sazz is always in a suit and a porkpie hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• daydream