different between nondescript vs anomalous

English

Etymology

From non- +? descript.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?n?nd?sk??pt/
• (US) IPA^(key): /n?nd?s?k??pt/

Adjective

nondescript (comparative more nondescript, superlative most nondescript)

1. (biology, now rare) Not described (in the academic literature).

   Synonyms: undescribed, unidentified

2. Without distinguishing qualities or characteristics.

   Synonym: unexceptional

Translations

Noun

nondescript (plural nondescripts)

1. (chiefly biology) A species or other type of creature that has not been previously described or identified. [from 17th c.]
   • 1791, Thomas Paine, Rights of Man:

     Imagination has given figure and character to centaurs, satyrs, and down to all the fairy tribe; but titles baffle even the powers of fancy, and are a chimerical non-descript.

2. An undistinguished, unexceptional person or thing. [from 18th c.]
3. (Britain) An unmarked police car.
   • 1970, Peter Laurie, Scotland Yard: a study of the Metropolitan Police (page 118)

     By a nice British compromise, the enforcement car — visible just then as a white spot on the television screen — has nothing externally to show its police affiliation, but unlike the CID's nondescripts, carries two large policemen in uniform.

Anagrams

• nonscripted

English

Etymology

From Late Latin anomalus, from Ancient Greek ???????? (an?malos).

Pronunciation

Adjective

anomalous (comparative more anomalous, superlative most anomalous)

1. Deviating from the normal; marked by incongruity or contradiction; aberrant or abnormal.
2. Of uncertain or unknown categorization; strange.
3. Having anomalies.

Derived terms

• anomalously

Related terms

• anomal
• anomaly

Translations

References