anomaly
uh-NOM-uh-lee
/əˈnɒməli/
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected; an irregularity.
Focuses on statistical outliers, data unexpectedness, or mathematical irregularities.
The story behind the word. Derived from Greek 'anōmalia', formed by combining 'an-' (not) and 'homalos' (even or level). Originally used in geometry and grammar to describe surfaces that were bumpy rather than smooth, or words that didn't follow standard inflection rules.
Word relationships
- exception: Exception refers to a rule being set aside, while anomaly refers to an unexpected breakdown in consistent patterns.
- norm: Norm refers to the standard pattern that is universally expected.
Commonly confused with
- anonymity: Anonymity means being nameless or unknown; anomaly means being an unexpected irregularity.
Word family
- anomalous (adjective): Deviating from what is normal or expected.
- anomalously (adverb): In an anomalous manner.
Collocations
- statistical anomaly
- gravitational anomaly
- genetic anomaly
- detect an anomaly
Example sentences
- "The sudden spike in Arctic atmospheric temperature was a complete anomaly for that winter month." Meteorological report
Memory hook
AN-OMALY = NOT NORMAL or smooth in the data stream. A bump in smooth data.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a person's personality trait directly unless framing them as a rare statistical phenomenon.
Fun facts
- The 'South Atlantic Anomaly' is an actual area where Earth's inner Van Allen radiation belt comes closest to Earth, causing computer glitches on satellites passing through.
Explore more words
deviation, discrepancy, error, disparity, unforeseen, malfunction
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