aberration

Meanings

Plural: aberrations

Noun

• a state or condition markedly different from the norm
• a disorder in one's mental state
• an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
• The act of wandering; deviation from truth, moral rectitude; abnormal; divergence from the straight, correct, proper, normal, or from the natural state.
• The convergence to different foci, by a lens or mirror, of rays of light emanating from one and the same point, or the deviation of such rays from a single focus; a defect in a focusing mechanism that prevents the intended focal point.
• A small periodical change of the apparent positions of the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer.
• A small periodical change of the apparent positions of the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer.
• The tendency of light rays to preferentially strike the leading face of a moving object (the effect underlying the above phenomenon).
• A partial alienation of reason.
• Any creature with supernatural powers not found in the organized classes of beings in a given setting.
• A mental disorder, especially one of a minor or temporary character.
• Atypical development or structure; deviation from the normal type; an aberrant organ.
• A deviation of a tissue, organ or mental functions from what is considered to be within the normal range.
• A defect in an image produced by an optical or electrostatic lens system.

Synonyms

aberrance, aberrancy, deviance, distortion, optical aberration