phi-phenomenon

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

noun

, Psychology.

, plural phi-phe·nom·e·na [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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phi-phenomenon¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of phi-phenomenon¹

C20: arbitrary use of Greek phi