deviation

n 1: a variation that deviates from the standard or norm; "the

deviation from the mean" [syn: {divergence}, {departure},

{difference}]

2: the difference between an observed value and the expected

value of a variable or function

3: the error of a compass due to local magnetic disturbances

4: deviate behavior [syn: {deviance}]

5: a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern): "a

diversion from the main highway"; "a digression into

irrelevant details"; "a deflection from his goal" [syn: {diversion},

{digression}, {deflection}, {deflexion}]