aberrancy

1 of 2

noun (1)

ab·​er·​ran·​cy a-ˈber-ən(t)-sē 

ə-, 

-ˈbe-rən(t)-;

ˈa-bə-rən(t)- 

-ˌber-ən(t)-, 

-ˌbe-rən(t)-

plural aberrancies

: the quality or state of being aberrant : deviation from what is known, usual, or expected

Sleep is a sophisticated behavior, just like walking and thinking, with its own set of age-related norms and plenty of room for idiosyncrasy, aberrancy and downright criminal behavior.

—Abigail Zuger

also : an instance of such deviation

It's presented in the media as if it's an aberrancy, when actually it's the rule.

—David Brown

But each song follows the rules of the genre it is spoofing, with no aberrancies beyond the lyrics, and the song lyrics are always meant to rhyme.

—Tex Kerschen

aberrance

2 of 2

noun (2)

ab·​er·​rance (ˈ)a-ˈber-ən(t)s  ə- 

-ˈbe-rən(t)s;

ˈa-bə-rən(t)s, 

-ˌber-ən(t)s, 

-ˌbe-rən(t)s

variants or aberrancy

(ˈ)a-ˈber-ən(t)-sē  ə- 

-ˈbe-rən(t)-;

ˈa-bə-rən(t)-sē, 

-ˌber-ən(t)-, 

-ˌbe-rən(t)-

plural aberrances or aberrancies

: deviation

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Latin aberrant-, aberrans, present participle of aberrare "to wander away" + -ance or -ancy, perhaps on the model of errant:errancy

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1646, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aberrancy

• inerrancy
• transparency