Definition

A device that creates the illusion of motion by displaying a series of images in rapid succession, typically viewed through slits in a rotating cylinder.

Example

The children were fascinated by the colorful images that came to life when the zoetrope spun around.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a zoetrope in action?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's this cool optical toy that shows moving pictures when it spins.

That sounds awesome! I'd love to see one sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Zoetrope** → It is formed from "zoon" (from Greek *ζῷον*, meaning animal) and "tropos" (from Greek *τροπή*, meaning turning or rotation). The word "zoetrope" refers to a device that creates the illusion of motion by rapidly displaying a sequence of images, thus turning images of animals into motion.

Memory Tip

Imagine a device that makes 'animals' ('zoon') 'turn' ('tropos') to create the illusion of movement — that's how a zoetrope works.

Visually Confused Words