apparition (
http://definr.com/apparition)
n 1: a ghostly appearing figure; "we were unprepared for the
apparition that confronted us" [syn:
phantom,
specter,
spectre]
2: the appearance of a ghostlike figure; "I was recalled to the
present by the apparition of a frightening specter"
3: something existing in perception only: "a ghostly apparition
at midnight" [syn:
phantom,
shadow]
4: an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly;
"natives were amazed at the apparition of this white
stanger"