Definition

Not shaped like a perfect sphere; having a shape that deviates from being spherical.

Example

The lens is aspherical, which helps to reduce distortion in the images.

Conversation

Have you seen the new design of the lenses?

Yeah, they look pretty interesting!

I heard they are aspherical to reduce distortion.

That makes sense; I bet they improve the overall clarity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aspherical → It is formed from "a-" (meaning not) and "sphaira" (from Greek, meaning sphere) and the suffix "-ical" (meaning pertaining to). The word describes something that is not spherical or does not have the shape of a sphere.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('a-') and 'sphere' ('sphaira') to remember that 'aspherical' means something that does not have the shape of a sphere.

Visually Confused Words