Definition of "phenomenon" []

• An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses. (noun)
• An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel. (noun)
• A remarkable or outstanding person; a paragon. See Synonyms at wonder. (noun)
• Philosophy In the philosophy of Kant, an object as it is perceived by the senses, as opposed to a noumenon. (noun)
• Physics An observable event. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "_If an instance in which the phenomenon under investigation occurs, and an instance in which it does not occur, have every circumstance in common save one, that one occurring only in the former; the circumstance in which alone the two instances differ, is the effect, or cause, or a necessary part of the cause, of the phenomenon_."
• ""The Collins phenomenon is parallel to the Palin phenomenon," says Sandy Maisel, a political scientist from Colby College in Waterville, referring to Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin."
• "The main phenomenon is the propagation of so-called shallow water waves – water waves whose wavelength is large compared to the depth of the ocean."