distortion
- n a change for the worse
- n a shape resulting from distortion
- n an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
- n 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 - n the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
- n the mistake of misrepresenting the facts
distraction
- n mental turmoil
he drives me to distraction - n an obstacle to attention
- n an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations
- n the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something
distraint
- n the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim