distortional

distortional

The sound from the old radio was distortional and hard to understand.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Relating to distortion: "distortional" describes something that pertains to, involves, or results in distortion — a change in shape, appearance, sound, or meaning from the original or true form.
Usage Examples
  • (The lens caused changes in the image's shape.)
  • (The stress that altered the beam's shape.)
  • (The sound was changed in an imprecise way.)
Advanced Usage
  • "distortional stress" (in physics/engineering): stress that causes a change in shape without a change in volume.
    • The material failed due to distortional stress exceeding its yield point. (The shape-altering force was too great.)
  • "distortional wave" (in acoustics or optics): a wave that has been altered from its original form by interference or medium properties.
    • The distortional wave pattern indicated a flaw in the crystal. (The wave's shape showed an imperfection.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Distortion (noun): the act or result of distorting; a twisted or misrepresented shape or meaning.
    • The distortion in the mirror made her reflection look funny. (The change in shape.)
  • Distort (verb): to twist or change something out of its true form.
    • Heat can distort plastic. (Heat changes the plastic's shape.)
  • Distortive (adjective): having the quality of causing distortion.
    • The distortive lens was used for special effects. (The lens caused distortion.)
Synonyms
  • Twisted: turned or bent out of shape.
  • Warped: bent or twisted, especially by heat or pressure.
  • Deformational: relating to a change in shape.
Related Idioms
  • "a distortional lens" (figurative): a way of seeing or interpreting something that changes its true nature.
    • His prejudice acted like a distortional lens on the facts. (His bias changed the facts' meaning.)
  • "distortional echo" (figurative): a repeated statement or idea that has been altered from its original form.
    • The rumour was a distortional echo of what actually happened. (The rumour changed the truth.)