Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-NOM'A-LY, n. [Fr. anomalie; Sp. anomalia; Gr. ανωμαλια, inequality, of α priv, and ὁμαλος, equal, similar; Celtic, W. hama or haval; Ir. amhail, similar.]

1. Irregularity; deviation from the common rule; thus oxen, the plural of ox, is an anomaly, in grammar, as the regular plural would be oxes.
2. In astronomy, an irregularity in the motion of a planet, whereby it deviates from the aphelion or apogee. – Encyc.
3. In music, a false scale or interval. – Busby.