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Eidolon

//aɪˈdoʊlən// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An image or representation of an idea; a representation of an ideal form; an apparition of some actual or imaginary entity, or of some aspect of reality.

    "As a species it is extinct; as an eidolon it retains its corporeality – but only if maintained in a state of equipoise."

  2. 2
    A phantom; a ghost or an elusive entity.

    "Was Philippe d'Orleans seen, this day, 'in the Bois de Boulogne, in grey surtout;' waiting under the wet sere foliage, what the day might bring forth? Alas, yes, the Eidolon of him was,—in Weber's and other such brains."

  3. 3
    An unsubstantial image; a spectre; a phantom.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek εἴδωλον (eídōlon, “figure, representation”), from εἶδος (eîdos, “sight”), from εἴδω (eídō, “I see”). Doublet of aidoru, idol, and idolum and related to idea.

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