phosphene

phos·phene | \ ˈfäs-ˌfēn

Definition of phosphene

: an impression of light that occurs without light entering the eye and is usually caused by stimulation of the retina (as by pressure on the eyeball when the lid is closed) or by excitation of neurons in the visual system (as by transcranial magnetic stimulation) Early studies have demonstrated that direct electrical stimulation to neurons of the visual system will cause a subject to perceive points of light (phosphenes).— George Scarlatis

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Phosphenes Is the Word You're Looking for

Phosphenes are the luminous floating stars, zigzags, swirls, spirals, squiggles, and other shapes that you see when closing your eyes tight and pressing them with your fingers. Basically, these phenomena occur when the cells of the retina are stimulated by rubbing or after a forceful sneeze, cough, or blow to the head. The word phosphene comes from the Greek words phōs (light) and phainein (to show). Phainein is also a contributing element in such words as diaphanous, emphasis,epiphany, and phenomenon, among others.

Examples of phosphene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Argus II offers a relatively crude form of artificial vision; users see diffuse spots of light called phosphenes. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "New technologies promise sharper artificial vision for blind people," 31 Oct. 2019 But at the meeting, Second Sight’s collaborators at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, presented evidence that the 60 electrodes could create phosphenes at more than 60 locations. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "New technologies promise sharper artificial vision for blind people," 31 Oct. 2019 That magnetic pulse caused a flash of light (a phosphene) in the receiver’s visual field of the receiver as a cue to turn the block. — Robert Martone, Scientific American, "Scientists Demonstrate Direct Brain-to-Brain Communication in Humans," 29 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phosphene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.