deviation

Universal Words noun ~ (from sth) 1 [U,C] the act of moving away from what is normal or acceptable; a difference from what is expected or acceptable: deviation from the previously accepted norms * sexual deviation * a deviation from the plan * Modern examples of this type of weaving showed little deviation from traditional patterns. 2 [C] (technical) the amount by which a single measurement is different from the average: a compass deviation of 5ｰ (= from true north) seealsoSTANDARDDEVIATION