The spelling of the word abnormal can be explained through its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription /æbˈnɔːməl/. The first sound is "æ" which is a short "a" sound, followed by "b" and "n" sounds. The "o" sound is pronounced like "aw" and is pronounced as "ˈɔː". The final syllable, "-mal", is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by "əl". Despite its unusual spelling, abnormal is commonly used in English to describe something that deviates from what is considered normal or typical.
Abnormal is an adjective that describes something which deviates from what is considered usual, typical, or expected. It refers to something that is irregular, atypical, or not conforming to the norm or standard.
When used to describe a person, the term "abnormal" refers to an individual who displays behavior, characteristics, or traits that are significantly divergent from the majority of the population or from what is considered socially acceptable. Abnormal behavior may involve actions or thoughts that are considered bizarre, strange, or unusual, often resulting in a disruption to normal functioning or interpersonal relationships.
In the context of medicine and healthcare, "abnormal" refers to any physiological or pathological condition, symptom, or test result that strays from the normal range or expected standard. It suggests a deviation from what is considered healthy, normal, or functioning optimally. For example, an abnormal heart rhythm, abnormal blood test result, or abnormal growth may indicate the presence of an underlying health issue or disease.
Overall, the term "abnormal" denotes a departure from the typical, ordinary, or expected state. It encompasses a wide range of deviations, variances, or anomalies, whether in behavior, characteristics, or physical and physiological conditions. The concept of abnormality may vary across contexts, cultures, or fields, and its interpretation is often subjective.
Not normal, contrary to the rule or type, irregular.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "abnormal" is derived from the Latin words "ab" meaning "away" and "norma" meaning "rule" or "pattern". Therefore, the etymology of "abnormal" can be understood as "away from the rule" or "deviating from the norm".