phenakistoscope

noun

phen·​a·​kis·​to·​scope
ˌfenəˈkistəˌskōp
: an optical toy resembling the zoetrope in principle and use and in one form consisting of a disk with the figures arranged about the center and having near the edge radial slits through which the figures are viewed by means of a mirror

Word History

Etymology

modification of French phénakistiscope, from Greek phenakistēs deceiver (from phenakizein to deceive, from phenak-, phenax deceiver + -izein -ize) + French -scope

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Cite this Entry

“Phenakistoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenakistoscope. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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