phosphene

noun phos·phene \ˈfäs-ˌfēn\

Definition of PHOSPHENE

: a luminous impression due to excitation of the retina

International Scientific Vocabulary phos- + Greek phainein to show — more at fancy

First Known Use: circa 1860

Medical Dictionary

noun phos·phene \ˈfäs-ˌfēn\

: a luminous impression that occurs when the retina undergoes nonluminous stimulation (as by pressure on the eyeball when the lid is closed)

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