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

While Charlotte’s real, flesh-and-blood parents are still alive and well, their avatars offer a glimpse at a world where it’s possible to converse with loved ones—or simulacra of them—long after they’re gone.

From MIT Technology Review

The tournament also has begun hosting daily “Tennis Talks” in front of the Market Square food court, where former professional tennis player Prakash Amritraj conducts a silly simulacrum of a news conference with a competing player.

From Washington Post

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