All 6 Uses of
phenomenon
in
Moby Dick
- I know that, to the common apprehension, this phenomenon of whiteness is not confessed to be the prime agent in exaggerating the terror of objects otherwise terrible; nor to the unimaginative mind is there aught of terror in those appearances whose awfulness to another mind almost solely consists in this one phenomenon, especially when exhibited under any form at all approaching to muteness or universality.
Chpt 40-42phenomenon = thing that exists
- I know that, to the common apprehension, this phenomenon of whiteness is not confessed to be the prime agent in exaggerating the terror of objects otherwise terrible; nor to the unimaginative mind is there aught of terror in those appearances whose awfulness to another mind almost solely consists in this one phenomenon, especially when exhibited under any form at all approaching to muteness or universality.
Chpt 40-42
- Almost forgetting for the moment all thoughts of Moby Dick, we now gazed at the most wondrous phenomenon which the secret seas have hitherto revealed to mankind.
Chpt 58-60 *phenomenon = something seen that is of special interest
- Besides all the other phenomena which the exterior of the Sperm Whale presents, he not seldom displays the back, and more especially his flanks, effaced in great part of the regular linear appearance, by reason of numerous rude scratches, altogether of an irregular, random aspect.
Chpt 67-69phenomena = interesting observable things
- Upon this every soul was confounded; for the phenomenon just then observed by Ahab had unaccountably escaped every one else ... the two compasses pointed East, and the Pequod was as infallibly going West.
Chpt 124-126phenomenon = something that happened and is of special interest
- For not by any calm and indolent spoutings; not by the peaceable gush of that mystic fountain in his head, did the White Whale now reveal his vicinity; but by the far more wondrous phenomenon of breaching.
Chpt 133-135phenomenon = something seen that is of special interest
Definitions:
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(1)
(phenomenon) something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary"Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
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(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
In philosophy, a phenomenon is something as known through the senses. It is contrasted with a noumenon.