simulacrum

/ˌsɪmyəˈleɪkrəm/

Other forms: simulacra; simulacrums

A simulacrum is a fake version of something real. A wax museum is full of simulacrums of famous people.

Simulacrum comes from the Latin word simulare meaning "to make like" and is related to words like simulate (to imitate) and similarity. A simulacrum might look like a person, but it's usually a sculpture. Also, a simulacrum can be a representation that's not very good. If you say, "This video game is only a simulacrum of playing football!" that means it does a poor job of copying the game.

Definitions of simulacrum

1. noun

   a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)
   synonyms: effigy, image

   types:

   Guy

   an effigy of Guy Fawkes that is burned on a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day

   god, graven image, idol

   a material effigy that is worshipped

   bird-scarer, scarecrow, scarer, straw man, strawman

   an effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds

   wax figure, waxwork

   an effigy (usually of a famous person) made of wax

   golden calf

   (Old Testament) an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites to worship; destroyed by Moses; it is now used to refer to anything worshipped undeservedly

   joss

   a Chinese god worshipped in the form of an idol

   Juggernaut

   a crude idol of Krishna

   type of:

   representation

   a creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something
2. noun

   an insubstantial or vague semblance
   type of:

   color, colour, gloss, semblance, veneer

   an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading