aberration

Meaning

Noun

• 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 position in the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer.
• A partial alienation of reason.
• 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.

Origin

• A learned borrowing from , first attested in 1594 , from aberrō, from ab + errō. Compare French aberration. Equivalent to aberrate + -ion.