illusion

(il-oo′zhŏn )

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[L. illusio, jeering, mockery]
An inaccurate perception; a misinterpretation of sensory impressions, as opposed to a hallucination, which is a perception formed without an external stimulus. Vague stimuli are conducive to the production of illusions. If an illusion becomes fixed, it is said to be a delusion.
SEE: delusion; SEE: hallucination
illusional (il-oo′zhŏn-ăl), adj.

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