Aberration
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃn̩/
Origin
First attested in 1594, from Latin aberrÄtiÅ ("relief, diversion")
, from aberrÅ ("wander away, go astray"), from ab ("away") + errÅ ("wander")
CDOE|page=2
. Compare French aberration. See also aberrate.
Full definition of aberration
Noun
aberration
(plural aberrations)- The act of wandering; deviation from truth, moral rectitude; abnormal; divergence from the straight, correct, proper, normal, or from the natural state. Late 16th century.
- the aberration of youth, aberrations from theory
- (optics) 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. Mid 18th century.
- (astronomy) A small periodical change of position in the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer. Mid 18th century.
- A partial alienation of reason. Early 19th century.
- Lingard:Occasional aberrations of intellect.
- I. Taylor:Whims, which at first are the aberrations of a single brain, pass with heat into epidemic form.
- A mental disorder, especially one of a minor or temporary character. Early 19th century.
- (zoology, botany) Atypical development or structure; deviation from the normal type; an aberrant organ. Mid 19th century.
- (medicine) A deviation of a tissue, organ or mental functions from what is considered to be within the normal range.