Anomaly
/əˈnɑː.mə.li/noun
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Did you know?The term 'anomaly' comes from a word meaning 'uneven' or 'irregular', which in ancient times was often associated with omens and supernatural occurrences.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀνωμαλία (anomalía)
“Unevenness or irregularity, often associated with divine signs or omens.”
Late Middle Ages
Latin
anomalus
“Irregular or deviating from the norm, often viewed with suspicion or intrigue.”
16th Century
English
anomalie
“A deviation from the expected or established.”
Modern English
English
anomaly
“An irregularity or deviation from the standard, often used in scientific contexts.”
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