deviation

Meanings

Plural: deviations

Noun

• a variation that deviates from the standard or norm
  • "the deviation from the mean"
• the difference between an observed value and the expected value of a variable or function
• the error of a compass due to local magnetic disturbances
• deviate behavior
• a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
• The act of deviating; wandering off the correct or true path or road.
• A departure from the correct way of acting.
• The state or result of having deviated; a transgression; an act of sin; an error; an offense.
• A detour in a road or railway.
• A detour to one side of the originally-planned flightpath (for instance, to avoid weather); the act of making such a detour.
• The voluntary and unnecessary departure of a ship from, or delay in, the regular and usual course of the specific voyage insured, thus releasing the underwriters from their responsibility.
• The shortest distance between the center of the target and the point where a projectile hits or bursts.
• For interval variables and ratio variables, a measure of difference between the observed value and the mean.
• The signed difference between a value and its reference value.

Synonyms

deflection, deflexion, departure, deviance, difference, digression, divagation, divergence, diversion

Related Words

deviance, deviant, deviate