simulacrum

[ sim-yuh-ley-kruhm ]

noun

, plural sim·u·la·cra [sim-y, uh, -, ley, -kr, uh].

1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance.
2. an effigy, image, or representation:

   a simulacrum of Aphrodite.

simulacrum

/ ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm /

noun

1. any image or representation of something
2. a slight, unreal, or vague semblance of something; superficial likeness

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulacrum¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin simulācrum “likeness, image,” equivalent to simulā(re) “to pretend, imitate” + -crum instrumental suffix; simulate

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulacrum¹

C16: from Latin: likeness, from simulāre to imitate, from similis like

Example Sentences

In the late 1960s, Penone  made excellent work that distorted live trees, but I quite like this latest simulacrum.

From The Daily Beast

A ghastly synthetic simulacrum of national unity, every leg in perfect alignment with the Overall Theme.

From The Daily Beast

Netanyahu has delivered, not exactly either, but a livable simulacrum of both.

From The Daily Beast

“Krush” (Karl-as-Rush) was the palest simulacrum of a Rush Limbaugh.

From The Daily Beast

Verily this sun-burnt son of Arabia Petra was a tangible reality and no desert simulacrum.

From Project Gutenberg

But any intelligent Irishman will say a simulacrum of Home Rule, with an express notice that it is never to come into operation.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, I was not so much impressed by the reality as I had been by the simulacrum in my dream of sunrise in the moon.

From Project Gutenberg

The women exchanged the ghastly simulacrum of a smile, and the meal resumed in silence.

From Project Gutenberg

After midnight every pedestrian becomes a simulacrum, wrapped in a black domino of mystery and a starry ephod of romance.

From Project Gutenberg