Phosphene
/ˈfɒs.fiːn/noun
A phenomenon characterized by the perception of light without light actually entering the eye.
Did you know?The term 'phosphene' derives from Greek roots meaning 'light' and 'to bring forth,' hinting at an ancient belief in the power of the mind to manifest light.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φως (phōs)
“light, brightness”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φέρειν (pherein)
“to bring, to carry”
18th Century
French
phosphène
“a term coined to describe the sensation of light without external stimuli”
19th Century
English
phosphene
“adopted into English to denote the visual phenomenon, reflecting its Greek roots.”
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