Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Anomaly
1.
Deviation from the common rule; an irregularity; anything anomalous.
We are enabled to unite into a consistent whole the various
anomalies
and contending principles that are found in the minds and affairs of men. Burke.
As Professor Owen has remarked, there is no greater
anomaly
in nature than a bird that can not fly. Darwin.
2.
(Astron.)
(a)
The angular distance of a planet from its perihelion, as seen from the sun. This is the true anomaly. The eccentric anomaly is a corresponding angle at the center of the elliptic orbit of the planet. The mean anomaly is what the anomaly would be if the planet’s angular motion were uniform.
(b)
The angle measuring apparent irregularities in the motion of a planet.
3.
(Nat. Hist.)
Any deviation from the essential characteristics of a specific type.
Webster 1828 Edition
Anomaly
ANOM'ALY
,Noun.
1.
Irregularity; deviation from the common rule; thus oxen, the plural of ox, is an anomaly, in grammar, as the regular plural would be oxes.2.
In astronomy, an irregularity in the motion of a planet, whereby it deviates from the aphelion or apogee.3.
In music, a false scale or interval.Definition 2024
anomaly
anomaly
English
Noun
anomaly (plural anomalies)
- A deviation from a rule or from what is regarded as normal; an outlier.
- 1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 43
- This ardent exploration, absorbing all his energy and interest, made him forget for the moment the mystery of his heritage and the anomaly that cut him off from all his fellows.
- 1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 43
- Something or someone that is strange or unusual.
- He is an anomaly among his friends.
- (sciences) Any event or measurement that is out of the ordinary regardless of whether it is exceptional or not.
- (astronomy) Any of various angular distances.
- (biology) A defect or malformation.
- (quantum mechanics) A failure of a classical symmetry due to quantum corrections.
- (dated) An irregularity or disproportion.
Synonyms
- (deviation from the norm): abnormality, deviance, deviation, exception, inconsistency, irregularity, phenomenon
Hyponyms
Hyponyms of anomaly
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Derived terms
Derived terms of anomaly
Translations
deviation from norm
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something or someone that is strange or unusual
science: any event, big or small, out of the ordinary
astronomy: any of various angular distances
dated: an irregularity or inconsistency
biological defect or malformation