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n. pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə) 1. An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses. 2. pl. phe·nom·e·nons a. An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel. b. A remarkable or outstanding person; a paragon. See Synonyms at wonder. 3. Philosophy In the philosophy of Kant, an object as it is perceived by the senses, as opposed to a noumenon. 4. Physics An observable event. [Late Latin phaenomenon, from Greek phainomenon, from neuter present participle of phainesthai, to appear; see bhā-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Usage Note: Phenomenon is the only acceptable singular form of this noun; phenomena is the usual plural. Phenomenons may also be used as the plural in nonscientific writing when the meaning is "extraordinary things, occurrences, or persons": They were phenomenons in the history of music. |
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