Aberration

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃnÌ©/

Origin

First attested in 1594, from Latin aberrātiō ("relief, diversion")

Aberration at Dictionary.com

, from aberrō ("wander away, go astray"), from ab ("away") + errō ("wander")

CDOE|page=2

. Compare French aberration. See also aberrate.

Full definition of aberration

Noun

1. The act of wandering; deviation from truth, moral rectitude; abnormal; divergence from the straight, correct, proper, normal, or from the natural state. Late 16^th century.

1. the aberration of youth, aberrations from theory
2. (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 18^th century.
3. (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 18^th century.
4. A partial alienation of reason. Early 19^th 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.
5. A mental disorder, especially one of a minor or temporary character. Early 19^th century.
6. (zoology, botany) Atypical development or structure; deviation from the normal type; an aberrant organ. Mid 19^th century.
7. (medicine) A deviation of a tissue, organ or mental functions from what is considered to be within the normal range.

Derived terms

• spherical aberration
• aberrational