Collins English-English Dictionary

phenomenon [fɪ'nɒmɪnən]

1. 1. n anything that can be perceived as an occurrence or fact by the senses

2. 2. n any remarkable occurrence or person

3. 3. n

4. 4. n [philosophy] the object of perception, experience, etc

5. 5. n (in the writings of Kant) a thing as it appears and is interpreted in perception and reflection, as distinguished from its real nature as a thing-in-itself - Compare noumenon

6. 6. n [Etymology] C16: via Late Latin from Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai to appear, from phainein to show

7. 7. n [Usage] Although phenomena is often treated as if it were singular, correct usage is to employ phenomenon with a singular construction and phenomena with a plural: that is an interesting phenomenon (not phenomena); several new phenomena were recorded in his notes