aberration

Noun

aberration (countable and uncountable, plural aberrations)

1. The act of wandering; deviation from truth, moral rectitude; abnormal; divergence from the straight, correct, proper, normal, or from the natural state.
   • the aberration of youth
   • aberrations from theory
2. 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.
3. A small periodical change of the apparent positions of the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer.
   1. (broadly) The tendency of light rays to preferentially strike the leading face of a moving object (the effect underlying the above phenomenon).
4. A partial alienation of reason.
   • Occasional aberrations of intellect1819, John Lingard, The History of England, From the First Invasion by the Romans to the Accession of Henry VIII
   • We see indeed the aberrations of unruly appetite1828, Isaac Taylor, The balance of criminality
5. (roleplaying games) Any creature with supernatural powers not found in the organized classes of beings in a given setting.
   • Only by submitting to the aberration could the human traders travel safely through the territory of Zularn.
6. A mental disorder, especially one of a minor or temporary character.
7. Atypical development or structure; deviation from the normal type; an aberrant organ.
8. A deviation of a tissue, organ or mental functions from what is considered to be within the normal range.
9. A defect in an image produced by an optical or electrostatic lens system.