phenomenon

[fi-nom-uh-non, -nuh n] /fɪˈnɒm əˌnɒn, -nən/
noun, plural phenomena
[fi-nom-uh-nuh] /fɪˈnɒm ə nə/ (Show IPA), or especially for 3, phenomenons.
1.
a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable:
to study the phenomena of nature.
2.
something that is impressive or extraordinary.
3.
a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.
4.
Philosophy.
  1. an appearance or immediate object of awareness in experience.
  2. Kantianism. a thing as it appears to and is constructed by the mind, as distinguished from a noumenon, or thing-in-itself.
Origin
1595-1605; < Late Latin phaenomenon < Greek phainómenon appearance, noun use of neuter of phainómenos, present participle of phaínesthai to appear, passive of phaínein to show
Can be confused
phenomena, phenomenal, phenomenon (see usage note at the current entry)
Synonyms
1. event, incident. 2, 3. marvel, miracle.
Usage note
As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular (This phenomena will not be seen again), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.
Examples from the web for phenomenon
  • People have reported seeing ball lightning-a rare phenomenon that resembles a glowing sphere of electricity-for hundreds of years.
  • The phenomenon of a poet who enjoys continued development into the beginning of old age is in itself rare.
  • But disparities of income are a relatively recent phenomenon.
  • The story of Hogzilla is truly a global phenomenon.
  • Plus it's pretty much impossible to track social phenomenon like memes with any degree of accuracy.
  • Most astronomers doubt the pulsars are more than a natural phenomenon.
  • Soon, that shimmering, elusive phenomenon—"going viral"—occurred.
  • First, there is the enormous contrast differential that makes it impossible to capture the entire phenomenon in a single shot.
  • Research into this phenomenon has been carried out in relation to the diagnosis and mode of origin of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The air in the Andes is so thin, you get this whole polarized phenomenon with the light, which is a condition of the altitude.
British Dictionary definitions for phenomenon

phenomenon

/fɪˈnɒmɪnən/
noun (pl) -ena (-ɪnə), -enons
1.
anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses
2.
any remarkable occurrence or person
3.
(philosophy)
  1. the object of perception, experience, etc
  2. (in the writings of Kant) a thing as it appears and is interpreted in perception and reflection, as distinguished from its real nature as a thing-in-itself Compare noumenon
Usage note
Although phenomena is often treated as if it were singular, correct usage is to employ phenomenon with a singular construction and phenomena with a plural: that is an interesting phenomenon (not phenomena); several new phenomena were recorded in his notes
Word Origin
C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show
Word Origin and History for phenomenon
n.

1570s, "fact, occurrence," from Late Latin phænomenon, from Greek phainomenon "that which appears or is seen," noun use of neuter present participle of phainesthai "to appear," passive of phainein (see phantasm). Meaning "extraordinary occurrence" first recorded 1771. Plural is phenomena.

phenomenon in Medicine

phenomenon phe·nom·e·non (fĭ-nŏm'ə-nŏn', -nən)
n. pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə)

  1. An occurrence, a circumstance, or a fact that is perceptible by the senses, especially one in relation to a disease.

  2. pl. phenome·nons An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.