Aberrant is spelled with two r's and two e's. The pronunciation is a-buh-rant (əˈbɛrənt). The double r is necessary to denote the correct pronunciation of "err" as in "error". The double e is used to denote the "er" sound at the end of the word. This word means deviating from the norm or standard. It is often used to describe behavior or biology that is abnormal or atypical.
Aberrant is an adjective that refers to something or someone that deviates from what is normal, expected, or accepted. It describes a departure or divergence from the usual or correct course or standard.
In the context of behavior or actions, aberrant implies conduct that is atypical or deviant from the established norms or standards of behavior. It suggests a departure from what is considered morally, socially, or culturally acceptable. For instance, an aberrant individual may exhibit behaviors that are considered strange, odd, or even abnormal by society.
When referring to physiological or biological phenomena, aberrant suggests a departure from the normal or typical form or function. It pertains to a deviation or anomaly that is not characteristic of the common pattern. For example, an aberrant cell might refer to an abnormal cell that does not conform to the norms of cellular growth and division.
In a broader sense, the term aberrant can also be applied to ideas, concepts, or beliefs that are unconventional or diverge from the mainstream. It suggests a departure from what is commonly accepted or expected. Aberrant ideas may challenge traditional or established modes of thinking, thereby offering new perspectives or insights.
In summary, aberrant describes something or someone that is deviating from the usual, expected, or accepted course or standard. It encompasses behaviors, physiological phenomena, and ideas that depart from the norm, whether morally, socially, biologically, or intellectually.
1. Wandering off, said of certain ducts or vessels taking an unusual course. 2. Differing from the normal, said in botany or zoology of certain atypical individuals in a family or species.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "aberrant" traces its roots back to the Latin word "aberrare", which means "to go astray" or "to wander off". "Aberrare" is derived from the prefix "ab-" (meaning "away from" or "off") and the verb "errare" (meaning "to stray" or "to err"). In English, "aberrant" has come to refer to something or someone who deviates from the normal or expected course, indicating a departure from the usual or customary behavior or characteristics.