from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phenakistoscope \Phen`a*kis"to*scope\, n. [Gr. fenakisth`s a
deceiver + -scope.]
A revolving disk on which figures drawn in different relative
attitudes are seen successively, so as to produce the
appearance of an object in actual motion, as an animal
leaping, etc., in consequence of the persistence of the
successive visual impressions of the retina. It is often
arranged so that the figures may be projected upon a screen.
[1913 Webster]