motion, stroboscopic

n. 1. An illusion of motion created when visual stimuli are displayed in rapid alternation close together. This phenomenon underlies the effects of neon signs with arrows that appear to move and movies and television, which show a series of still pictures in rapid succession with each frame changing slightly so that there appears to be continuous motion. 2. A false perception of stillness or unreal motion perceived when a moving object such as a rotating tire or fan blade is seen in a stroboscopic light and appears to turn backward or stand still.