visionary

visionary n.

1. One who hacks vision, in the sense of an Artificial Intelligence researcher working on the problem of getting computers to `see' things using TV cameras. (There isn't any problem in sending information from a TV camera to a computer. The problem is, how can the computer be programmed to make use of the camera information? See SMOP, AI-complete.) 2. [IBM] One who reads the outside literature. At IBM, apparently, such a penchant is viewed with awe and wonder.

--The Jargon File version 4.3.1, ed. ESR, autonoded by rescdsk.

Vi"sion*a*ry (?), a. [Cf. F. visionnaire.]

1.

Of or pertaining to a visions or visions; characterized by, appropriate to, or favorable for, visions.

The visionary hour When musing midnight reigns. Thomson.

2.

Affected by phantoms; disposed to receive impressions on the imagination; given to reverie; apt to receive, and act upon, fancies as if they were realities.

Or lull to rest the visionary maid. Pope.

3.

Existing in imagination only; not real; fanciful; imaginary; having no solid foundation; as, visionary prospect; a visionary scheme or project.

Swift.

Syn. -- Fanciful; fantastic; unreal. See Fanciful.

© Webster 1913.

Vi"sion*a*ry, n.; pl. Visionaries ().

1.

One whose imagination is disturbed; one who sees visions or phantoms.

2.

One whose imagination overpowers his reason and controls his judgment; an unpractical schemer; one who builds castles in the air; a daydreamer.

© Webster 1913.