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Definition of afterimage

afterimage

/ˈæf.tɚˌɪm.ɪdʒ/
af · ter · im · age
Plural:afterimages
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afterimage Lexical Profile

afterimage Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A visual impression or optical sensation that remains on the retina for a brief period after the original external stimulus or light source has ceased.

Example

"Staring directly at the bright camera flash left a purple afterimage floating in her field of vision for several seconds."

2

A lingering mental impression, memory, or emotional trace that persists in the mind after an event or experience has ended.

Example

"The haunting final scene of the film left a vivid afterimage in the minds of the audience long after they left the theater."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for afterimage

• Nearby Words

aftercare
aftereffect
afterglow
afterimage
afterlife
aftermarket
aftermath

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a loan translation (calque) of the German compound 'Nachbild', combining 'after-' with 'image'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Afterimage. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/afterimage
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