anomalous

adjective anom·a·lous \ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs\

: not expected or usual

Full Definition of ANOMALOUS

: inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual

a : of uncertain nature or classification

b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical

— anom·a·lous·ly adverb

— anom·a·lous·ness noun

See anomalous defined for English-language learners

See anomalous defined for kids

Origin of ANOMALOUS

Late Latin anomalus, from Greek anōmalos, literally, uneven, from a- + homalos even, from homos same — more at same

First Known Use: 1655

Related to ANOMALOUS

Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, exceptional, atypical, especial, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted

Antonyms: common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual

Synonym Discussion of ANOMALOUS

irregular, anomalous, unnatural mean not conforming to rule, law, or custom. irregular implies not conforming to a law or regulation imposed for the sake of uniformity in method, practice, or conduct <concerned about his irregular behavior>. anomalous implies not conforming to what might be expected because of the class or type to which it belongs or the laws that govern its existence <her drive made her an anomalous figure in a sleepy organization>. unnatural suggests what is contrary to nature or to principles or standards felt to be essential to the well-being of civilized society <prisoners treated with unnatural cruelty>.

ANOMALOUS Defined for Kids

anomalous

adjective anom·a·lous \ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs\

Definition of ANOMALOUS for Kids

: not regular or usual <anomalous test results>

Medical Dictionary

anomalous

adjective anom·a·lous \ə-ˈnäm-ə-ləs\

Medical Definition of ANOMALOUS

: deviating from normal <anomalous development> <anomalous pulmonary venous drainage—Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology>; specifically : having abnormal vision with respect to a particular color but not color-blind <she was almost red anomalous—Nature>

Learn More About ANOMALOUS

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "anomalous"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "anomalous"

Nglish: Translation of "anomalous" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "anomalous" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: anomalous dispersionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: AnomalopteryxAll Words Near: anomalous

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up anomalous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site