1. (

• apparition ,
• phantom ,
• phantasm ,
• phantasma ,
• fantasm ,
• specter ,
• spectre

) a ghostly appearing figure; "we were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us" ;

2. (

• apparition

) the appearance of a ghostlike figure; "I was recalled to the present by the apparition of a frightening specter" ;

3. (

• apparition ,
• phantom ,
• phantasm ,
• phantasma ,
• fantasm ,
• shadow

) something existing in perception only; "a ghostly apparition at midnight" ;

4. (

• apparition

) an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly; "natives were amazed at the apparition of this white stranger" ;