zollnerhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zollner_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_useZöllner, n.
First published 1986; not fully revised

Zöllnernoun

Psychology.
  1. 1890–
    Used attributively and in the possessive to designate the optical illusion noted by Zöllner of parallel lines which, when marked with short diagonal lines, appear to converge. Now usually as Zöllner illusion.
    1. 1890
      In what is known as Zöllner's pattern.., the long parallels tip towards each other the moment we draw the short slanting lines over them.
      W. James, Principles of Psychology vol. II. xx. 232
    2. 1911
      Zoellner's Figure showing an illusion of direction.
      Encyclopædia Britannica vol. XXVIII. 142/1 (caption)
    3. 1922
      In the Zöllner figure, the long lines, really parallel, seem to converge.
      K. Dunlap, Elements of Scientific Psychology xiii. 295
    4. 1955
      Zoellner illusion. The four horizontal lines are parallel.
      H. E. Garrett, General Psychology v. 179 (caption)
    5. 1971
      The Zöllner and Hering illusions are examples of phenomena in which the overall pattern dominates the geometry and leads to the perceptual distortion of straight lines into curved lines.
      Journal of General Psychology vol. 84 164
    6. 1980
      The Zöllner illusion, which exhibits assimilation at extremely small angles and contrast at larger angles.
      Scientific American (U.K. edition) January 91/1

Zöllner, n. was first published in 1986; not fully revised.

Zöllner, n. was last modified in December 2024.