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exceptional

 - 2 dictionary results

ex⋅cep⋅tion⋅al

[ik-sep-shuh-nl]
–adjective
1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary: The warm weather was exceptional for January.
2. unusually excellent; superior: an exceptional violinist.
3. Education. (of a child)
a. being intellectually gifted.
b. being physically or esp. mentally handicapped to an extent that special schooling is required.

Origin:
1840–50; exception + -al 1


ex⋅cep⋅tion⋅al⋅i⋅ty, noun
ex⋅cep⋅tion⋅al⋅ly, adverb
ex⋅cep⋅tion⋅al⋅ness, noun


1. uncommon, singular, strange, unnatural, aberrant, anomalous. See irregular.


2. average.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To exceptional
ex·cep·tion·al   (ĭk-sěp'shə-nəl)   
adj.  
  1. Being an exception; uncommon.

  2. Well above average; extraordinary: an exceptional memory. See Usage Note at exceptionable.

  3. Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability: special educational provisions for exceptional children.

ex·cep'tion·al'i·ty, ex·cep'tion·al·ness n., ex·cep'tion·al·ly (-shə-nāl'ĭ-tē) adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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