Main Entry: ap·pear·ance

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a : external show : semblance <although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality> b : outward aspect : look <had a fierce appearance> c plural : outward indication <trying to keep up appearances>
2 a : a sense impression or aspect of a thing <the blue of distant hills is only an appearance> b : the world of sensible phenomena
3 a : the act, action, or process of appearing b : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4 a : something that appears : phenomenon b : an instance of appearing : occurrence