phantasmagoria

noun phan·tas·ma·go·ria \(ˌ)fan-ˌtaz-mə-ˈgȯr-ē-ə\

: a confusing or strange scene that is like a dream because it is always changing in an odd way

Full Definition of PHANTASMAGORIA

: an exhibition of optical effects and illusions

a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imagined

b : a scene that constantly changes

: a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage

— phan·tas·ma·gor·ic \-ˈgȯr-ik, -ˈgär-\ or phan·tas·ma·gor·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective

See phantasmagoria defined for English-language learners

French phantasmagorie, from phantasme phantasm (from Old French fantasme) + -agorie (perhaps from Greek agora assembly) — more at agora

First Known Use: circa 1802

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