distortion

noun

1. a change for the worse

   noun.event

   Synonyms deformation

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a shape resulting from distortion

   noun.shape

   Synonyms distorted shape

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image

   noun.phenomenon

   Synonyms aberration optical aberration

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. 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)

   noun.phenomenon

   Examples

   Heavy metal guitar players use vacuum tube amplifiers to produce extreme distortion.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean

   noun.act

   Synonyms overrefinement straining torture twisting

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. the mistake of misrepresenting the facts

   noun.act

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. The act of distorting, or twisting out of natural or regular shape; a twisting or writhing motion; as, the <i>distortions</i> of the face or body.

   noun

   Source: webster1913