phenomenon

1 any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

2 a remarkable development [also: phenomena (pl)]phenomena See phenomenon

English

Pronunciation

Alternative spellings

• phænomena

Noun

phenomena p

1. Plural of phenomenon#English|phenomenon

A phenomenon (from Greek φαινόμενoν, pl. φαινόμενα - phenomena) is any occurrence that is observable. In popular usage, a phenomenon often refers to an extraordinary event.

Use in physics

In physics phenomena are the subject of observation. A phenomenon may be a feature of matter, energy, or spacetime. For example, Isaac Newton made observations of the phenomenon of the moon's orbit. Additionally, Galileo Galilei made observations of pendulum related phenomena.

Use in gemmology

In gemmology a phenomenon is an unusual optical effect displayed by a gem. Play-of-color, labradorescence, iridescence, adularescence, chatoyancy, asterism, aventurescence and color change are all phenomena.

Use in philosophy

In philosophy, the use of the word phenomenon differs from other uses in that it refers to perceived events. Phenomena may be perceived through a person's senses or with their mind.

See also

• Physical system
• Observation
• Physicalism
• Noumenon

References