Phenakistoscope

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Phenakistoscope \Phen`a*kis"to*scope\, n. [Gr. fenakisth`s a
     deceiver + -scope.]
     A revolving disk on which figures drawn in different relative
     attitudes are seen successively, so as to produce the
     appearance of an object in actual motion, as an animal
     leaping, etc., in consequence of the persistence of the


     successive visual impressions of the retina. It is often
     arranged so that the figures may be projected upon a screen.
     [1913 Webster]