rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: ab-
Latin

ab-

away, off, from

Forms

  • ab-
  • abs- — Expanded Latin form, especially before t.
  • a- — Shortened in some Latin compounds.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *apo, ‘away; off.’

Note

The Greek prefix apo- is a relative from the same older source, not a borrowing from Latin.

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adjective

abnormal

ab-NOR-mul/æbˈnɔːrml/

Different from what is usual, typical, or expected.

The abnormal cup has a warped rim unlike the others.

One misshapen ceramic cup differs clearly from five matching standard cups in a row; unusual deviation, no stigmatizing person.
Etymology
abLatinaway, off, from
+normLatina measuring square, rule, or standard
+alLatinof, relating to

The image is departure from a rule or standard, with norma also naming a carpenter’s square. This Latin analysis influenced an older word meaning “irregular,” rather than being its original formation.

In context

nptelhrd7:34
But it is abnormal because, it is different from the usual place where it is formed.
Mod-02 Lec-07 Carbene complexes continued

More examples

  • The technician noticed an abnormal reading.
  • An abnormal noise came from the fan.
  • They checked whether the temperature was abnormal.

Forms

abnormal

abnormality noun — A departure from what is usual.

Similar words

unusual
Unusual need not suggest a troubling deviation.
atypical
Atypical neutrally emphasizes difference from a pattern.