phenomenon
- A fact, event, or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
- Informally, a remarkable or exceptional person or thing.
In a sentence
- The northern lights are a natural phenomenon caused by charged particles colliding with atmospheric gases.
- The young athlete was considered a phenomenon, breaking records no one had thought possible.
Usage note. The standard plural is 'phenomena', not 'phenomenons'; using 'phenomena' as a singular (e.g., 'this phenomena') is a common error to avoid in formal writing.
Where it comes from
English phenomenon · entered English 16th c.
From Greek 'phainomenon', the neuter present participle of 'phainesthai' meaning 'to appear or be seen', itself related to 'phainein' (to show). It entered English via Late Latin in the 16th century, initially in philosophical and scientific writing before broadening in use.