Meaning & Definition of word "Anomaly"

Anomaly

/əˈnɒm.ə.li/

1. something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
- Example: The sudden drop in temperature in June was an anomaly that puzzled meteorologists.
2. a departure from what is normal or expected, often indicating a problem or irregularity.
- Example: The patient's test results showed an anomaly that required further investigation.
3. a person or thing that is atypical of a general rule.
- Example: Her success in the industry was seen as an anomaly, given the lack of female leaders.
4. a defect or irregularity in a system or data.
- Example: Scientists noted an anomaly in the data collected from the experiment.
5. an inconsistency or irregularity in a set of observations.
- Example: The research team encountered an anomaly in their findings that led to new questions.

Derived from the Greek word 'anomalos' meaning 'irregular', from 'a-' meaning 'not' and 'homalos' meaning 'even' or 'ordinary'.

statistical anomaly:

A data point that significantly deviates from the average.

anomaly detection:

The identification of rare items, events, or observations that raise suspicions by differing significantly from the majority of the data.

anomaly report:

A document outlining any observed irregularities in data or processes.

abnormal:

Deviating from what is normal or typical.

irregular:

Not conforming to established rules or norms.

exception:

A case that does not follow the general rule.

Meaning: Something out of the ordinary, cool or unique.

Example Sentence: That car is an anomaly; I've never seen one like it!

Meaning: An unexpected or odd situation, often humorous.

Example Sentence: His reaction was an anomaly; usually, he's very composed.