Definition of ASTIGMATISM

astigmatism

Meanings

Plural: astigmatisms

Noun

  • (ophthalmology) impaired eyesight resulting usually from irregular conformation of the cornea; common in nearsighted people
  • (optics) defect in an optical system in which light rays from a single point fail to converge in a single focal point
  • A defect of a lens such that light rays coming from a point do not meet at a focal point so that the image is blurred.
  • A disorder of the vision, usually due to a misshapen cornea, such that light does not focus correctly on the retina causing a blurred image.

Origin / Etymology

From a- (negative prefix) + stem of Ancient Greek στίγμα (stígma, “mark, point”) + -ism. Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1846.

Synonyms

astigmia

Antonyms

stigmatism

Scrabble Score: 16

astigmatism is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
astigmatism is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
astigmatism is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

astigmatism is a valid Words With Friends word