Phan"tom (?), n. [OE. fantome,
fantosme, fantesme, OF. fantôme, 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.
Phan"tom, a. Being, or of the
nature of, a phantom.
Phantom isles are floating in the
skies.
B. Taylor.