C1nounformalscienceacademic
US/əˈnɑː.mə.li/
UK/əˈnɒm.ə.li/
something that is different from what is normal or expected, often hard to explain
In context
The scientists could not explain the anomaly in the data from the second experiment.
A sudden drop in sales in March was a clear anomaly in the report.
Anomalies in the accounts led the auditor to investigate further.
Words that go with anomaly
adjective + noun
- statistical anomalyThe result was just a statistical anomaly.
- apparent anomalyThere is an apparent anomaly in the chart.
verb + noun
- detect an anomalyThe software can detect an anomaly within seconds.
- explain an anomalyNo one could explain the anomaly in the figures.
noun + preposition
- anomaly inWe found an anomaly in the payment records.