eidolon

noun

ei·​do·​lon ī-ˈdō-lən 

plural eidolons ī-ˈdō-lənz  or eidola ī-ˈdō-lə 

1

: an unsubstantial image : phantom

2

: ideal

Synonyms

• beau ideal
• classic
• exemplar
• idea
• ideal
• model
• nonesuch
• nonpareil
• paragon
• patron saint

Examples of eidolon in a Sentence

an industrialist who remains an eidolon of the visionary and ambitious self-made man

Recent Examples on the Web

To enlist Helen, rather than the more popular The Trojan Women, for an antiwar theme makes sense especially in the wake of the conflict in Iraq: Helen posits that a decade-long war was fought and a civilization destroyed over a mirage, an eidolon. —Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Greek eidōlon — more at idol

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1