deflection Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting
    warp.
  2. noun the amount by which a propagating wave is bent
    refraction; deflexion.
  3. noun the movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position
    deflexion.
  4. noun the property of being bent or deflected
    bending; deflexion.
  5. noun a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
    deviation; digression; deflexion; diversion; divagation.
    • a diversion from the main highway
    • a digression into irrelevant details
    • a deflection from his goal

WordNet

De*flec"tion noun
Etymology
L. deflexio, fr. deflectere: cf. F. déflexion.
Definitions
  1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, esp. downward; deviation.
    The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections. Lowth.
  2. (Gunnery) The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course.
  3. (Opt.) A deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction.
  4. (Engin.) The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.

Webster 1913