illusion - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education

Definition of illusion


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illusion
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illusion
top: In a Hering figure, straight horizontal rules appear curved.
bottom: In Gestalt theory boxes, a gray box against a black background appears lighter than the same gray box against a white background.
il·lu·sion  audio  (-lzhn) KEY 

NOUN:
    1. An erroneous perception of reality.
    2. An erroneous concept or belief.
  1. The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.
  2. Something, such as a fantastic plan or desire, that causes an erroneous belief or perception.
  3. Illusionism in art.
  4. A fine transparent cloth, used for dresses or trimmings.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin illsi, illsin-, from Latin, a mocking, irony, from illsus, past participle of illdere, to mock : in-, against ; see in-2 + ldere, to play; see leid- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
il·lusion·al or il·lusion·ary  (-zh-nr) KEY (Adjective), il·lusion·less(Adjective)



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