simulacrum

noun

sim·​u·​la·​crum ˌsim-yə-ˈla-krəm 

-ˈlā-

plural simulacra ˌsim-yə-ˈla-krə 

-ˈlā-

also simulacrums

1

: image, representation

a reasonable simulacrum of reality

—Martin Mayer

2

: an insubstantial form or semblance of something : trace

Did you know?

There is a similarity between simulacrum and simulate. Both words come from simulare, a Latin verb meaning "to copy, represent, or feign." Simulacrum is the name for an image or representation, and simulate means "to look, feel, or behave like something."

Examples of simulacrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Simpsons becomes a simulacrum for Lamar’s past genius in albums like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, but according to Cole, the Compton rapper is enduring a flop era. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2024

This is the mode of cultural consumption where Major League Baseball has, time and again, failed to offer even a simulacra of transparency on a world where everything stands in suspicion. —Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2024

Those of us old enough may remember the Memorex print ad showing a guy in a Le Corbusier chair with his hair blown back by a single L100, implying that Memorex tape created a simulacrum of a real performance. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024

The simulacrum of your own face for video calls is also a bit of an uncanny valley nightmare. —Andrew Williams, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "image, representation," borrowed from Latin simulācrum "likeness, visual representation, image, statue, outward appearance of a person or thing (as in the imagination or a dream), phantom, sham appearance," from simulāre "to pretend, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate" + -crum, suffix of instruments (dissimilated from *-clum, going back to *-tlom) — more at simulate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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