optical illusion
Americannoun
noun
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an object causing a false visual impression
-
an instance of deception by such an object
Etymology
Origin of optical illusion
First recorded in 1785–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Please, step right on through. The rock is an optical illusion, a very well-crafted hologram.”
From Literature
It turns out that the abundant free cash flow that Meta reports to investors is something of an optical illusion.
Pilots often experience an optical illusion of a passing object that can make it appear to be traveling at great speed even if it is barely moving, officials have said.
It was just an optical illusion, just because I was running, just because I’m worried about whoever made that cry or whimper.
From Literature
Doing something your brain tells you is structurally impossible was like inhabiting an optical illusion and we all laughed as we scaled the multi-tiered falls with the occasional assistance of a tethered rope.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
