English Reference
Adjective

anomalous

adj.
C1 Advanced US /əˈnɑməɫəs/ UK /ɐnˈɒmələs/ anoma·lous

adj.different from what is normal or expected. You use this to describe something that stands out because it does not fit with the rest of a group.

adj.deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. Often used to describe data points or physical objects that do not conform to a general pattern.


SIMPLE

The anomalous result made the scientists look at their data again.

CONTEXTUAL

The researcher noted an anomalous spike in temperature that did not match the rest of the month's weather patterns.

COMPLEX

While the majority of the samples followed the expected distribution, the anomalous data point suggested a fundamental flaw in the initial hypothesis regarding the chemical reaction.

It also produces an unusual electrical signal known as the anomalous Hall effect: When current flows through the material, a small voltage appears sideways even when no external magnetic field is applied.

Phys.org· 16 Aug 2026

The House of Representatives even held hearings on what are now called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) as a potential national security threat.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From Late Latin anōmalos, from Ancient Greek ἀνώμᾰλος (anṓmălos).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ἀνώμᾰλος
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated