noumenon

noun

nou·​me·​non ˈnü-mə-ˌnän How to pronounce noumenon (audio)
plural noumena ˈnü-mə-nə How to pronounce noumenon (audio)
-ˌnä
: a posited object or event as it appears in itself independent of perception by the senses
noumenal
ˈnü-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce noumenon (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

German, from Greek nooumenon that which is apprehended by thought, from neuter of present passive participle of noein to think, conceive, from nous mind

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noumenon was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near noumenon

noumenalist

noumenon

noun

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Cite this Entry

“Noumenon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noumenon. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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More from Merriam-Webster on noumenon

Nglish: Translation of noumenon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about noumenon

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