- [uncountable, countable] deviation (from something) the act of moving away from what most people consider normal or acceptable; a difference from what is expected or acceptable
- deviation from the previously accepted norms
- This is a deviation from the original plan.
- Modern examples of this type of weaving showed little deviation from traditional patterns.
- a slight deviation from our planned route
- sexual deviation
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- [countable] deviation (from something) (specialist) the amount by which a single measurement is different from the average
- a compass deviation of 5° (= from true north)
- The compass shows a deviation of 5°.
Word Originlate Middle English: via French from medieval Latin deviatio(n-), from Latin deviare, from de- ‘away from’ + via ‘way’.
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deviation