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visual illusion

visual illusion A visual illusion is a false interpretation of what is seen, so that motion, direction, speed, or the source of movement is perceived incorrectly.

A visual illusion is a false interpretation of what is seen, so that motion, direction, speed, or the source of movement is perceived incorrectly. In this historical usage, the error often depends on relative visual conditions, such as where the eyes are fixed or how surrounding objects are seen.

Also see

Sources

Drafting source: Baldwin Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, 1901. 1901 New York Macmillan original; archive index checked 2026-10-18. “Illusions of Motion and Movement” (Illusions).
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PsychTerms (psychterms.org), CC BY 4.0, version 1. “visual illusion.” Development preview.

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