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something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
synonyms:irregularityexception
The word 'anomaly' comes from the Greek 'anomalos', which means 'uneven' or 'irregular'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century.
Anomaly is commonly used in scientific, technical, and statistical contexts but can also be found in everyday language when discussing unusual occurrences.
While not used daily by everyone, 'anomaly' is frequently encountered in academic and professional discussions, making it relatively common.
The scientist discovered an anomaly in the data that required further investigation.
Her sudden change in behavior was seen as an anomaly among her colleagues.
In the financial report, there was an anomaly in the quarterly earnings that raised concerns.
An 'anomaly' is like a curious little quirk that stands out from the crowd. Whether it's a surprising result in a scientific experiment or an unexpected twist in a story, anomalies capture our attention and spark our curiosity. Originating from the Greek word for 'uneven', this term has found a cozy spot in the English language since the 17th century. So next time you encounter something unusual, remember, you’ve just stumbled upon an anomaly!