Definition of "phœnomenon"

When a ſmall quantity of any gypſum is melted together with borax, the glaſs becomes colourleſs and tranſparent; but I have found ſome ſorts of alabaſter and ſparry gypſa that, when melted in ſome quantity with borax, yield a fine yellow tranſparent colour, reſembling that of the beſt topaſes. This phœnomenon might probably happen with every one of the gypſeous kind.

1770, “I. Earths”, “1. Calcareous”, in Gustav von Engestrom, transl., edited by Emanuel Mendes da Costa, An Essay Towards a System of Mineralogy, London: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, translation of original by Axel Fredric Cronstedt, “B. (Sect. XIII) United with the acid of vitriol. Gypſum”, page 22

He is a fine cheſtnut, riſing 6 years old, 16 & half hands high, got by the famous Phœnomenon, whoſe Grandſire was the noted Eclipſe, Dam Recovery by Hyder Ally, Grandam Perdita by Herod, great Grandam by Sampſon, & out of the Laſs of the Mill.

1798, Phœnomenon, (image), Portsmouth, England

Nay more ; that the construction employed to justify the ‘Sedition Act,’ would exhibit a phœnomenon without a parrallel in the political world.

1919, Theodore Schroeder, Constitutional Free Speech Defined and Defended in an Unfinished Argument in a Case of Blasphemy, page 141