aberration

The definition of an aberration is something that is abnormal or unexpected such as a strange action or mental state.

(noun)

An example of a mental aberration is schizophrenia.

See aberration in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a departure from what is right, true, correct, etc.
a deviation from the normal or the typical
mental derangement or lapse
Astron. a small, periodic apparent change in the observed position of a celestial object, caused by the constantly changing position of the earth and the finite speed of the object's light
Optics
1. the failure of light rays from one point to converge at a single focus
2. a fault in a lens or mirror causing such failure

Origin: L abberatio < aberrare: see aberrant

Related Forms:

See aberration in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A deviation from the proper or expected course. See Synonyms at deviation.
A departure from the normal or typical: events that were aberrations from the norm.
Psychology A disorder or abnormal alteration in one's mental state.
a. A defect of focus, such as blurring in an image.
b. An imperfect image caused by a physical defect in an optical element, as in a lens.
The apparent displacement of the position of a celestial body in the direction of motion of an observer on Earth, caused by the motion of Earth and the finite velocity of light.
Genetics A deviation in the normal structure or number of chromosomes in an organism.

Origin:

Origin: Latin aberrātiō, aberrātiōn-, diversion

Origin: , from aberrātus

Origin: , past participle of aberrāre, to go astray

Origin: : ab-, away from; see ab-¹

Origin: + errāre, to stray; see ers- in Indo-European roots

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