distortion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a change for the worse
    deformation.
  2. noun a shape resulting from distortion
    distorted shape.
  3. noun an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
    optical aberration; aberration.
  4. noun 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
  5. noun the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
    straining; twisting; overrefinement; torture.
  6. noun the mistake of misrepresenting the facts

WordNet

Dis*tor"tion noun
Etymology
L. distortio: cf. F. distortion.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913