spherical aberration


noun

variation in focal length of a lens or mirror from center to edge, due to its spherical shape.

Origin of spherical aberration

First recorded in 1865–70

British Dictionary definitions for spherical aberration

spherical aberration

noun

physics a defect of optical systems that arises when light striking a mirror or lens near its edge is focused at different points on the axis to the light striking near the centre. The effect occurs when the mirror or lens has spherical surfaces See also aberration (def. 4)

Medical definitions for spherical aberration

spherical aberration

n.

A blurred image that occurs when light from the margin of a lens or mirror with a spherical surface comes to a shorter focus than light from the central portion. dioptric aberration

Scientific definitions for spherical aberration

spherical aberration
[ sfîrĭ-kəl ]

See under aberration.