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phi-phenomenon

[ fahy-fi-nom-uh-non, -nuhn ]

noun

Psychology.
plural phi-phenomena [fahy, -fi-nom-, uh, -n, uh].
  1. motion perceived by a subject, especially the illusion of movement produced when stationary stimuli, as pictures or lights, are presented in rapid succession and are sometimes in slightly different positions.


phi-phenomenon

/ ˈfaɪfɪˌnɒmɪnən /

noun

  1. the illusion that when two lights are rapidly turned on and off in succession something appears to move backwards and forwards between them while the lights stay stationary
  2. a similar illusion in which one light appears to move smoothly backwards and forwards
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of phi-phenomenon1

First recorded in 1925–30
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Word History and Origins

Origin of phi-phenomenon1

C20: arbitrary use of Greek phi

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phi-functionphial