simulacrum

American  

[sim-yuh-ley-kruhm] / ˌsɪm yəˈleɪ krəm /

noun

plural

simulacra

1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance.

2. an effigy, image, or representation.

   a simulacrum of Aphrodite.

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simulacrum British  

/ ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm /

noun

1. any image or representation of something

2. a slight, unreal, or vague semblance of something; superficial likeness

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Etymology

Origin of simulacrum

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

Example Sentences

It is to his credit that the cathedral is not a simulacrum or facsimile, but a Gothic building, in all its structural reality, even the invisible oak roof truss above the vaults.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having spent hours flying over its virtual simulacrum, I knew the place well.

From The Wall Street Journal

Apparently, a lot of folks feel seeing people in the real world is too taxing, and it's easier to refract your urge for connection to an app that offers only an inch-deep simulacrum.

From Salon

The original manuscript of Hemingway’s book has not, alas, been rediscovered — Byers has created a simulacrum of sorts, an imagined version of “One Must First Endure.”

From New York Times

Similarly, the jokes throughout seem like they’re supposed to be laugh lines, but are really just a simulacrum of humor, quips without wit.

From New York Times