distortion
noun
dis·tor·tion
di-ˈstȯr-shən 
1
: the act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state : the act of distorting
a distortion of the facts
2
: the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: such as
a
physics
: a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system
an image free of distortion
b
: falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal (see signal entry 1 sense 4b) caused by change in the wave form of the original signal
Synonyms
Examples of distortion in a Sentence
had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision
Recent Examples on the Web
The upper chamber is filled with 3.75 ml of oil, which creates and almost surreal lack of distortion when vieweing the dial through the crystal.
—
Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
Like most digital lenses, the FE 16-25mm relies on distortion and vignette corrections to draw scenes realistically.
—PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion 
Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024
Like most digital lenses, the FE 16-25mm relies on distortion and vignette corrections to draw scenes realistically.
—PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distortion
noun
dis·tor·tion
dis-ˈtȯr-shən
1
: the act of distorting
2
: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
Medical Definition
distortion
noun
dis·tor·tion
dis-ˈtȯr-shən
1
: the censorship of unacceptable unconscious impulses so that they are unrecognizable to the ego in the manifest content of a dream
2
: a lack of correspondence of size or intensity in an image resulting from defects in an optical system
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