optical illusion
noun
See under illusion(def 4).
Words nearby optical illusion
Origin of optical illusion
First recorded in 1785–95
Definition for optical illusion (2 of 2)
illusion
[ ih-loo-zhuhn ]
/ ɪˈlu ʒən /
noun
something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality.
the state or condition of being deceived; misapprehension.
an instance of being deceived.
Psychology. a perception, as of visual stimuli (optical illusion), that represents what is perceived in a way different from the way it is in reality.
a very thin, delicate tulle of silk or nylon having a cobwebbed appearance, for trimmings, veilings, and the like.
Obsolete. the act of deceiving; deception; delusion.
Origin of illusion
SYNONYMS FOR illusion
1 aberration, fantasy, chimera. illusion, hallucination, delusion refer to false perceptions or ideas. An illusion is a false mental image produced by misinterpretation of things that actually exist: A mirage is an illusion produced by reflection of light against the sky. A hallucination is a perception of a thing or quality that has no physical counterpart: Under the influence of LSD, Terry had hallucinations that the living-room floor was rippling. A delusion is a persistent false belief: A paranoiac has delusions of persecution.
OTHER WORDS FROM illusion
il·lu·sioned, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH illusion
allusion delusion elusion hallucination illusion (see synonym study at the current entry)Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Examples from the Web for optical illusion
The trouble about the optical-illusion view is, that it makes the day too long.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 5 (of 12)|Robert G. IngersollIn this illustration it is seen that the optical-illusion idea has taken definite form.
Visual Illusions|Matthew Luckiesh
British Dictionary definitions for optical illusion (1 of 2)
optical illusion
noun
an object causing a false visual impression
an instance of deception by such an object
British Dictionary definitions for optical illusion (2 of 2)
illusion
/ (ɪˈluːʒən) /
noun
a false appearance or deceptive impression of realitythe mirror gives an illusion of depth
a false or misleading perception or belief; delusionhe has the illusion that he is really clever
psychol a perception that is not true to reality, having been altered subjectively in some way in the mind of the perceiverSee also hallucination
a very fine gauze or tulle used for trimmings, veils, etc
Derived forms of illusion
illusionary or illusional, adjectiveillusioned, adjectiveWord Origin for illusion
C14: from Latin illūsiō deceit, from illūdere; see illude
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for optical illusion
illusion
[ ĭ-lōō′zhən ]
n.
An erroneous perception of reality.
An erroneous concept or belief.
The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.
Something, such as a fantastic plan or desire, that causes an erroneous belief or perception.
Other words from illusion
il•lu′sion•al null adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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