I. (ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷məˈgōrēə, -gȯr- noun
also phan·tas·ma·go·ry ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌgōrē, -gȯr-, -ri
( plural phantasmagorias also phantasmagories )
Etymology: modification of French phantasmagorie production of images appearing to be phantoms, from phantasme phantasm (from Latin phantasma ) + -agorie (probably from Greek ageirein to assemble, collect) — more at gregarious
1.
a.
(1) : an optical effect by which figures on a screen appear to dwindle into the distance or to rush toward the observer with enormous increase of size
(2) : any of various similar optical effects
b. : an apparatus for producing the effect of phantasmagoria consisting of a magic lantern arranged to be moved toward and from a screen and having an automatic device for keeping the correct focus
2.
a. : a constantly shifting, complex succession of things seen or imagined (as in a dream or fever state)
a simple view of the phantasmagoria of life — C.E.Norton
supernatural visions which reveal past, present, and future under the guise of a phantasmagoria of symbolic persons and animals, divine and diabolical beings, celestial and infernal phenomena — Edmund Wilson
b. : a scene that constantly changes or fluctuates
lowlands under the hills became an undulating phantasmagoria as mirages flickered endlessly — Farley Mowat
streets were a nightmarish phantasmagory — Van Wyck Brooks
II. noun
: a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage