after-image
(ˈɑːftəˌrɪmɪdʒ, æ-)
[after- 6.]
The impression retained by the retina of the eye, or by any other organ of sense, of a vivid sensation, after the external cause has been removed. Also transf.
| 1874 J. Sully Sensation & Intuition iii. 41 Plateau sought to determine the time during which this after-image (Nachbild) continues in decreasing intensity. 1879 Syd. Soc. Lex. s.v., Newton suffered for many years from an after-image of the sun, caused by incautiously looking at it through a telescope. Ibid., After-images may also be experienced in the case of smells, tastes, tones, and impressions of contact. 1889 G. B. Shaw in Eng. Illustr. Mag. Oct. 53 The after-image of the lyric drama witnessed is deeply engraved in the memory, aural and visual. 1890 W. James Princ. Psychol. I. xv. 635 Peculiarities in an after-image, left by an object on the eye. 1962 Listener 12 Apr. 647/1 Though they [sc. abstract paintings] are concerned with gestalt effects, and with after-images, they are not out to batter one's eyes into submission. |