deviation from the normal or usual order, type, etc; irregularity
3. astronomy
a. Also called: true anomaly
the angle between a planet, the sun, and the previous perihelion of the planet
b. Also called: eccentric anomaly
the angle between the periapsis of a particular point on a circle round the orbit as seen from the centre of the orbit. This point is obtained by producing a perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse through the orbiting body until it reaches the circumference of the circle
c. Also called: mean anomaly
the angle between the periapsis of an orbit and the position of an imaginary body orbiting at a constant angular speed and in the same period as the real orbiting body
4. geology
a. Also called: gravity anomaly
a deviation from the normal value of gravity at the earth's surface, caused by density differences at depth, for example those caused by a buried mineral body
b. Also called: magnetic anomaly
a magnetic field, for example one produced by a buried mineral body, that deviates from an expected or standard value, usually that of the earth's magnetic field
Derived forms
anomalistic (aˌnomaˈlistic) or anomalistical (aˌnomaˈlistical)
adjective
anomalistically (aˌnomaˈlistically)
adverb
magnetic anomaly in American English
noun
Geology
a departure from the normal magnetic field of the earth
Word origin
[1895–1900]
Examples of 'magnetic anomaly' in a sentence
magnetic anomaly
We did not need a magnetic anomaly - the whole country is an anomaly.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
At the age of 63, tearfully thanking a wholly impervious magnetic anomaly does - and there's no two ways about it - look odd.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
First, a survey of magnetic anomalies at the site revealed at least 25 places where small houses appeared once to have stood.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In addition, the bedrock of these seas is riddled with magnetic anomalies that can produce misleading compass readings.