deflection

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting
  2. noun the amount by which a propagating wave is bent
  3. noun the movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position

Etymology

From Latin dēflexiō, from dēflectere (“to deflect”; participle stem dēflex-) + -iō (suffix forming abstract nouns). The non-etymological spelling deflection is taken from the present stem dēflect-, associated with collection, dissection, etc. By surface analysis, deflect + -ion.

In classic literature

Synonyms

warp

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