Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
* Ghostly or spectral: This indicates that the apparition is not a physical being but rather a ghostly or ethereal form.
* Appearance: This implies that the apparition is visible, though it may be fleeting or difficult to discern.
* Person or thing: Apparitions can appear as human figures, animals, or even objects.
* Especially a dead person: While apparitions can involve living people, they are most commonly associated with the spirits of the deceased.
Other related meanings:
* Appearance: Apparition can also refer to a sudden or unexpected appearance of something, not necessarily supernatural.
* Hallucination: In some cases, apparitions may be interpreted as hallucinations or illusions, especially in situations where the person is under stress or experiencing sleep deprivation.
In essence, an apparition is a visual phenomenon that suggests the presence of something beyond the realm of the ordinary.