anomalous

anom·a·lous

adjective \ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs\

Definition of ANOMALOUS

1

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

2

a : of uncertain nature or classification

b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical

— anom·a·lous·ly adverb

— anom·a·lous·ness noun

Examples of ANOMALOUS

1. Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results.
2. <that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical>

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

Related Words

conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, striking; bizarre, deviant, eccentric, freakish, monstrous, oddball, outlandish, quaint, strange, weird; incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unimaginable, unthinkable

Near Antonyms

everyday, familiar, frequent

See Synonym Discussion at irregular

anom·a·lous

adjective \ə-ˈnäm-ə-ləs\   (Medical Dictionary)

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>