ˌapəˈrishən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English apparicioun, from Late Latin apparition-, apparitio appearance, epiphany (translation of Greek epiphaneia ), from Latin apparitus (past participle of apparēre to appear) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at appear
1.
a. : someone or something unusual or unexpected that appears : phenomenon
Shakespeare is an apparition as genius forever is — W.L.Sullivan
b. : a supernatural appearance : ghost , phantom , specter
was never allowed to hear of a goblin or apparition or scarcely to be told of bad men — Charles Lamb
2.
a. : the act of becoming visible : appearance
I was recalled to the present by the apparition of my adversary riding his pony toward me — R.H.Davis
b.
(1) : the first appearance of a planet, comet, star, or other luminary after being invisible or obscured
(2) : the period during which such a body is visible
3. obsolete : semblance , aspect
4. usually capitalized , obsolete : epiphany