noun

simulacrum

sim-yoo-LAY-krum/ˌsɪmjuˈleɪkrəm/

An image or imitation that represents something real.

The painted clay pear is a simulacrum of the real fruit beside it.

A real pear beside a small painted clay imitation of the same pear, with a chipped area on the imitation revealing clay beneath its green surface.

Etymology

simulacrumLatinlikeness, image, representation

Latin simulacrum named an image formed in the likeness of something. Resemblance is central to the English sense: an image or imitation represents another thing through its likeness to it.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin37:19

… the simulacrum is never that which conceals the truth it is the truth which conceals that there is no truth the simulacrum in itself is true but there is nothing behind it so simulacrum is a facade …

Pseudoidentities in Cluster B Personality Disorders: Spectacle and Simulacra

More examples

The model offers a miniature simulacrum of the ancient city.
Plastic trees create a pale simulacrum of a forest.
The sculptor carves wooden simulacra of familiar animals.

Forms

simulacrum · simulacra · simulacrums

Similar words

replica: Emphasizes a close copy of a particular original.
image: Often means a visual representation rather than a physical imitation.
imitation: Emphasizes copying an original's appearance, qualities, or behavior.