phantom has definitions from the field of folklore
1
[ noun ] (folklore) a ghostly appearing figure

Examples

"we were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us"

Related terms

spirit Flying_Dutchman

2
[ adjective ] something apparently sensed but having no physical reality

Examples

"seemed to hear faint phantom bells" "the amputee's illusion of a phantom limb"

Related terms

unreal

3
[ noun ] something existing in perception only

Examples

: "a ghostly apparition at midnight"

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