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 from

+normLatinrule, standard

+alLatinrelating 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.