What is "phenakistoscope"

Phenakistoscope \Phen`a*kis"to*scope\, n. [Gr. ? a deceiver + -scope.] A revolving disk on which figures drawn in different relative attitudes are seen successively, so as to produce the appearance of an object in actual motion, as an animal leaping, etc., in consequence of the persistence of the successive visual impressions of the retina. It is often arranged so that the figures may be projected upon a screen.

n. An early animation device consisting of a disc or drum which rotated, showing successive images through slits, often via a mirror, thus producing the illusion of motion.

The phénakisticope was the first widespread animation device that created a fluent illusion of motion. The phénakisticope is regarded as one of the first forms of moving media entertainment that paved the way for the future motion picture and film industry. It can be compared to a GIF animation as it has a short duration and plays as a loop until the viewer stops it.