anomaly
1 of 1noun/əˈnɑməli/
Forms:anomalies
1
something that deviates from what is considered normal, expected, or standard
- Scientists were puzzled by the orbital anomaly of a newly discovered asteroid that didn't fit theories of planetary motion.
- Election officials flagged several discrepancies and anomalies in vote tallies across different precincts that warranted an audit.
- Statistical process control charts are useful for detecting any anomalies that may signal issues with a manufacturing process.
- Finding a tropical fish in the local lake was a rare anomaly.
- His rapid recovery from the illness was considered an anomaly by the doctors.
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2
(astronomy) a planet's angular distance from its perihelion, as seen from the sun
- Astronomers calculated Mars's anomaly to predict its position.
- The anomaly helped determine the planet's orbital speed.
- Kepler's laws use the concept of anomaly in calculations.
- The spacecraft adjusted its path based on Earth's anomaly.
- Anomaly readings confirmed the comet's predicted trajectory.
3
a person whose traits or behavior are highly unusual
- The child prodigy was an anomaly among his peers.
- She was an anomaly in the male‑dominated industry.
- His optimism made him an anomaly in the cynical office.
- The athlete was an anomaly, excelling in multiple sports.
- As a left‑handed pilot, he was an anomaly in the squadron.
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