chromatic aberration

noun

: aberration caused by the differences in refraction of the colored rays of the spectrum

Examples of chromatic aberration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Its optical construction includes 14 elements in 11 groups, with extra-low dispersion glass and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Photoshop can correct camera and lens distortions such as chromatic aberration and image noise, as well. Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 16 July 2025 The 85-mm objective lens is bright and sharp with almost no chromatic aberrations. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromatic aberration was in 1831

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Cite this Entry

“Chromatic aberration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromatic%20aberration. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

chromatic aberration

noun
: error caused by the differences in refraction of the colored rays into which light can be separated

Medical Definition

chromatic aberration

noun
: aberration caused by differences in the refraction of light at different frequencies

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