Phan"tom (?), n. [OE. fantome, fantosme, fantesme, OF. fantome, fr. L. phantasma, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to show. See Fancy, and cf. Phaëton, Phantasm, Phase.]
That which has only an apparent existence; an apparition; a specter; a phantasm; a sprite; an airy spirit; an ideal image.
Strange phantoms rising as the mists arise.
Pope.
She was a phantom of delight.
Wordsworth.
Phantom ship. See Flying Dutchman, under Flying. --
Phantom tumor (Med.), a swelling, especially of the abdomen, due to muscular spasm, accumulation of flatus, etc., simulating an actual tumor in appearance, but disappearing upon the administration of an anæsthetic.
© Webster 1913
Phan"tom, a.
Being, or of the nature of, a phantom.
Phantom isles are floating in the skies.
B. Taylor.
© Webster 1913