Adj.

abnormal

ab-NAWR-muhl

Context

I hoped tests completed during my doctor visit wouldn’t show anything abnormal or unusual in my overall health. Although I do take good care of myself, something abnormal or out of the ordinary could show up. Medical tests sometimes alert us to abnormal or unexpected issues. Luckily, my test results showed nothing abnormal or irregular, so I don’t have to return to the doctor until next year.

Quiz: Try again! What is something that is abnormal?

It is something that happens to everyone.
It is something strange or unexpected.
It is something that is not surprising.

Definition

Memory Hook

Tab Soda Not Normal It's pretty abnormal for us to drink Tab soda, which is not a normal part of our day.

Examples

Abnormal is so common, it's practically normal. — Cory Doctorow, Canadian-British journalist and science fiction author
In June, the monitor reported drought and abnormal dryness had been eliminated from southeastern Colorado after years of dry conditions there. — Denver Post

Word Ingredients

ab-	→	away, from
norm	→	carpenter's square, pattern, standard
-al	→	of or relating to

Something that is abnormal stands “away from a pattern or standard” that one might expect it to have.

Word Theater

Star Trek: The Animated Series Nothing appears to be abnormal on the ship.

Word Constellation

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