Main Entry: imag·i·na·tion

Pronunciation: \i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin imagination-, imaginatio, from imaginari

Date: 14th century

1 : the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
2 a : creative ability b : ability to confront and deal with a problem : resourcefulness <use your imagination and get us out of here> c : the thinking or active mind : interest <stories that fired the imagination>
3 a : a creation of the mind; especially : an idealized or poetic creation b : fanciful or empty assumption