"aberration" Definition

Definitions for the word "aberration" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
The act of wandering; deviation, especially from truth or moral rectitude, from the natural state, or from a type.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A partial alienation of reason.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A small periodical change of position in the stars and other heavenly bodies, due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer; called annual aberration, when the observer's motion is that of the earth in its orbit, and daily or diurnal aberration, when of the earth on its axis; amounting when greatest, in the former case, to 20.4'', and in the latter, to 0.3''. Planetary aberration is that due to the motion of light and the motion of the planet relative to the earth.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The convergence to different foci, by a lens or mirror, of rays of light emanating from one and the same point, or the deviation of such rays from a single focus; called spherical aberration, when due to the spherical form of the lens or mirror, such form giving different foci for central and marginal rays; and chromatic aberration, when due to different refrangibilities of the colored rays of the spectrum, those of each color having a distinct focus.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
The passage of blood or other fluid into parts not appropriate for it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
The producing of an unintended effect by the glancing of an instrument, as when a shot intended for A glances and strikes B.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
1 aberrant behaviour; moral or mental lapse. 2 biol. Deviation from a normal type. 3 distortion of an image because of a defect in a lens or mirror. 4 astron. Apparent displacement of a celestial body.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "aberration" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "aberration" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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