phenomenon
n.
event or circumstance that can be observed; something unusual; something detected by the senses
Phenomenon
Phenomena
(pl. )
of Phenomenon
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter.
About
Phenomena
Phenomena [from Greek phainomena appearances from phainomai to appear] The impermanent, ever-changing outward appearances of things, as opposed to onta, the permanent enduring realities behind. Also, objects of perception as opposed to objects of cognition; that which is perceived by the senses, contrasted with that which is conceived by the mind. The word correlates with both meanings of noumena. Under the first meaning it may be said that, in one sense, everything is phenomenal except the one Reality; but the word may also be used relatively. Under the second meaning, we may speak of phenomena as a word stressing the mechanical aspect of things, as contrasted with the unseen intelligences behind, as in the contrast between the forces of science and the intelligent noumena of which they are merely the manifestations.
In modern popular use it also denotes a supernormal event, such as an exercise of occult or magical powers, or again a portent, what the Latins would have called a prodigy.
phenomenon
Noun
1. any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
(hyponym) natural phenomenon
2. a remarkable development
(hypernym) development