irregular

 
Pronunciation: /ɪˈrɛgjʊlə/

adjective

  • 1not even or balanced in shape or arrangement: his strong, irregular features
  • occurring at uneven or varying rates or intervals: an irregular heartbeat
  • Botany (of a flower) having the petals differing in size and shape; zygomorphic.
  • 2contrary to the rules or to that which is normal or established: their involvement in irregular financial dealings
  • (of troops) not belonging to regular or established army units.
  • 3 Grammar (of a verb or other word) having inflections that do not conform to the usual rules.

noun

(usually irregulars)
  • 1a member of an irregular military force.
  • 2chiefly North American an imperfect piece of merchandise sold at a reduced price.

Derivatives

irregularly

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'not conforming to rule (especially that of the Church')): via Old French from medieval Latin irregularis, from in- 'not' + regularis (see regular)

Spelling help

Spell irregular and the related word irregularity with a double r at the beginning.