anomalous

[ uh-nom-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. deviating from or inconsistent with the common order, form, or rule; irregular; abnormal:

   Advanced forms of life may be anomalous in the universe.

2. not fitting into a common or familiar type, classification, or pattern; unusual:

   He held an anomalous position in the art world.

3. incongruous or inconsistent.
4. Grammar. irregular.

anomalous

/ əˈnɒmələs /

adjective

1. deviating from the normal or usual order, type, etc; irregular, abnormal, or incongruous

Derived Forms

• aˈnomalousness, noun
• aˈnomalously, adverb

Other Words From

• a·noma·lous·ly adverb
• a·noma·lous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anomalous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Medieval Latin, Late Latin anōmalus, or directly from Greek anṓmalos “irregular,” equivalent to an- “not, lacking” an- ¹ + homalós “even,” with ō by analogy with other Greek privatives ( anopheles ); an- ¹, homo-, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of anomalous¹

C17: from Late Latin anōmalus, from Greek anōmalos uneven, inconsistent, from an- + homalos even, from homos one and the same

Example Sentences

No matter the name, the purported “anomalous primate” has long been the subject of a cycle of stories and skepticism.

From The Daily Beast

Alito opened the door by questioning the “anomalous” Abood precedent, which lets states coerce union members into paying dues.

From The Daily Beast

The bank acknowledges that it has some problems, but says they are anomalous.

From The Daily Beast

The computers were being fed anomalous data because of a failed air speed gauge.

From The Daily Beast

History has not decided about Carter because he is so anomalous.

From The Daily Beast

He admitted that this was an anomalous course of legislation, and that the board would be entrusted with extraordinary powers.

From Project Gutenberg

A mongrel and anomalous species like the German Meerkatzen—monkey-cats.

From Project Gutenberg

From that time on Quin's status in the family became less anomalous.

From Project Gutenberg

At the time of the arrival of Pizarro, a curious condition, anomalous in their records, had arisen.

From Project Gutenberg

But, let me repeat, I was in an anomalous condition of mind, with my nerves set on edge by the events of the evening.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abnormal
• atypical
• divergent
• incongruous
• peculiar
• unnatural