1. A shape resulting from distortion
   "The distortion of the image in the funhouse mirror created a comical effect";
   - distorted shape
    
2. A change for the worse
   "The distortion of facts in the report misled the public";
   - deformation
    
3. The mistake of misrepresenting the facts
   "The reporter's distortion of the events led to a public apology"
    
4. Excessive elaboration or subtlety, often leading to distortion of meaning
   "The critic accused the author of distortion in his overly complex prose";
   - overrefinement, straining, torture
    
5. An optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
   "The cheap lens produced significant distortion at the edges of the photograph";
   - aberration, optical aberration
    
6. 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"

Derived forms: distortions

Type of: acoustic phenomenon, damage, electrical phenomenon, error, falsification, fault, form, harm, impairment, misrepresentation, mistake, optical phenomenon, shape

Encyclopedia: Distortion