A-nŏm'a-ly, n.

n. [Lat. anomalia, Gr. ἀνωμαλία, Fr. anomalie. See supra.] 1. Deviation from the common rule; irregularity; thus oxen, the plural of ox, is an anomaly in grammar, as the regular plural would be oxes. We are enabled to unite into a consistent whole the various anomalies and contending principles that are found in the minds and affairs of men. Burke.

2. (Astron.) (a.) The angular distance of a planet from its perihelion, as seen from the sun; either true, mean, or eccentric. (b.) The angle measuring apparent irregularities in the motion of a planet. Nichol.
3. (Mus.) A small deviation from a perfect interval, in tuning instruments with fixed notes; a temperament. Ed. Encyc.
4. (Nat. Hist.) Any deviation from the essential characteristics of a specific type.