Apparition

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of becoming visible; appearance; visibility. Milton. The sudden apparition of the Spaniards. Prescott. The apparition of Lawyer Clippurse occasioned much speculation in that portion of the world. Sir W. Scott.

2. The thing appearing; a visible object; a form. Which apparition, it seems, was you. Tatler.

3. An unexpected, wonderful, or preternatural appearance; a ghost; a specter; a phantom. "The heavenly bands . . . a glorious apparition." Milton. I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. Shak.

4. The first appearance of a star or other luminary after having been invisible or obscured; -- opposed to occultation. Circle of perpetual apparition. See under Circle.