aberration
UK: ˌæbəˈreɪʃən | US: ˌæbəˈreɪʃən
n. a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one
n. (Optics) a distortion in an image caused by a flaw in a lens or mirror
n. (Biology) a deviation in the structure or function of an organism from the typical
The word "aberration" originates from Latin aberrare ("to wander away, deviate"), composed of ab- ("away from") + errare ("to wander, stray"). The root errare also gives us words like "err" and "error." Over time, "aberration" evolved in English (early 17th century) to describe deviations from norms, whether in behavior, optics, or biology. The morpheme aberr- preserves the original Latin sense of straying, while -ation turns it into a noun denoting the state or result of that action.
The sudden snowstorm in June was an aberration in the city's usual weather patterns.
The scientist noted an aberration in the experiment's results, suggesting a possible error.
The telescope's lens caused slight aberration, blurring the edges of the image.
His outburst was an aberration from his typically calm demeanor.
Genetic aberrations can sometimes lead to rare diseases.