anomaly
UK: əˈnɒməli | US: əˈnɑːməli
n. something that deviates from the norm or expectation
n. (astronomy) a deviation in a celestial body's orbit
n. (geology) a local irregularity in magnetic or gravitational fields
The word "anomaly" originates from Greek "anomalos" (uneven, irregular), combining "a-" (not) and "homalos" (even, regular). It entered Latin as "anomalia," retaining the sense of deviation from uniformity. The term was adopted into English in the 16th century, initially in astronomy to describe irregular planetary motions, later expanding to general usage for any exception to rules or patterns.
The scientist studied the genetic anomaly in the lab.
A sudden temperature spike was recorded as a climate anomaly.
The spacecraft detected a gravitational anomaly near the asteroid.
His flawless performance was an anomaly in an otherwise erratic career.
The data set contained several anomalies requiring further investigation.