definition of
distortion

[1] #1 distortion n. [deformation] a change for the worse. wn

[2] #2 distortion n. [distorted shape] a shape resulting from distortion. wn

[3] #3 distortion n. [aberration, optical aberration] an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image. wn

[4] #4 distortion 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 extrem. wn

[5] #5 distortion n. [overrefinement, straining, torture, twisting] the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean. wn