aberration

//ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of aberration

Noun

aberrationSingular
aberrationsPlural
1

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one.

His rude behavior at the meeting was an aberration; he is usually very polite.

2

A characteristic that deviates from the normal type; an anomaly or irregularity.

The scientist noted an aberration in the data that required further investigation.

3

In optics, the failure of rays to converge at one focus because of limitations or defects in a lens or mirror.

The photographer noticed chromatic aberration at the edges of the image due to the cheap lens.

4

In biology, a deviation from the normal structure or number of chromosomes.

The geneticist identified a chromosomal aberration in the patient's DNA sample.