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: substance having a (specified) form, quality, or appearance
cellophane

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek -phanēs "appearing," adjective derivative from the stem of phaínō, phaínein (active voice) "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínomai, phaínesthai (middle voice) "to become visible, come to light, appear" — more at fantasy entry 1

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Cite this Entry

“-phane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-phane. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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