01 a. According to an established norm, rule, or principle; conformed to a type, standard, or regular form; performing the proper functions; not …
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1.
According to an established norm, rule, or principle; conformed to a type, standard, or regular form; performing the proper functions; not abnormal; regular; natural; analogical.“Deviations from the normal type.” — Hallam.
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2.
According to a square or rule; perpendicular; forming a right angle; as, a line normal to the base. Specifically: Of or pertaining to a normal.(Geom.)
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3.
Standard; original; exact; typical.(Chem.)
Phrases & compounds
Normal equations —
a set of equations of the first degree equal in number to the number of unknown quantities, and derived from the observations by a specified process. The solution of the normal equations gives the most probable values of the unknown quantities.
Normal group —
a group of rocks taken as a standard.
Normal place —
the apparent place in the heavens of a planet or comet at a specified time, the place having been determined by a considerable number of observations, extending perhaps over many days, and so combined that the accidental errors of observation have largely balanced each other.
Normal school —
a school whose methods of instruction are to serve as a model for imitation; an institution for the training of teachers.
Syn.
Normal, Regular, Ordinary.
Regular and ordinary are popular terms of well-known signification; normal has now a more specific sense, arising out of its use in science. A thing is normal, or in its normal state, when strictly conformed to those principles of its constitution which mark its species or to the standard of a healthy and natural condition. It is abnormal when it departs from those principles.