English

Etymology

Noun

1. The act of appearing or coming into sight; the act of becoming visible to the eye.

   His sudden appearance surprised me.

2. A thing seen; a phenomenon; an apparition.

   There was a strange appearance in the sky.

3. Personal presence; look; aspect; mien.

   And now am come to see . . . It thy appearance answer loud report. --Milton.

4. apparent likeness; external show; how something appears to others.

   There was upon the tabernacle, as it were, the appearance of fire. --Num. ix. 15.

   For man looketh on the outward appearance. --1 Sam. xvi. 7.

   Judge not according to the appearance. --John. vii. 24.

5. The act of appearing in a particular place, or in society, a company, or any proceedings; a coming before the public in a particular character.

   A person makes his appearance as an historian, an artist, or an orator.

   David Beckham's first appearance with the LA Galaxy at Giants Stadium against the New York Red Bulls last night drew a crowd of 66237.

   Will he now retire, After appearance, and again prolong Our expectation? --John Milton.

6. The coming into court of either of the parties; the being present in court; the coming into court of a party summoned in an action, either by himself or by his attorney, expressed by a formal entry by the proper officer to that effect; the act or proceeding by which a party proceeded against places himself before the court, and submits to its jurisdiction.
7. , chiefly used by nurses: the act of defecation by a patient.

   The patient had a small bowel obstruction and there was no appearance until after the obstruction resolved.

Synonyms