adj
anomalous
uh-NO-muh-luhs
adj
1
Different from what is normal or expected; not fitting the usual pattern.
"The scientists noticed an anomalous spike in temperature readings."
"His anomalous behaviour worried his colleagues."
How to Use Anomalous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding out because it doesn't match the normal pattern.
When to use it
Fairly formal; common in scientific and technical writing.
Common pairings
anomalous result
anomalous behaviour
statistically anomalous
Word Forms
more anomalous comparative, most anomalous superlative
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The scientists noticed an _____ spike in temperature readings.
Etymology
From Late Latin anomalos, from Ancient Greek anomalos, "uneven, irregular."