distortion : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: distortion	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for distortion
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
distortion n a change for the worse Synonym(s): distortion, deformation a shape resulting from distortion Synonym(s): distorted shape, distortion an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image Synonym(s): aberration, distortion, optical aberration a change (usually undesired) in the waveform of an acoustic or analog electrical signal; the difference between two measurements of a signal (as between the input and output signal); "heavy metal guitar players use vacuum tube amplifiers to produce extreme distortion" the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean Synonym(s): distortion, overrefinement, straining, torture, twisting the mistake of misrepresenting the facts
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Distortion \Dis*tor"tion\, n. [L. distortio: cf. F. distortion.] 1. The act of distorting, or twisting out of natural or regular shape; a twisting or writhing motion; as, the distortions of the face or body. 2. A wresting from the true meaning. --Bp. Wren. 3. The state of being distorted, or twisted out of shape or out of true position; crookedness; perversion. 4. (Med.) An unnatural deviation of shape or position of any part of the body producing visible deformity.