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Deflection

1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, especially. Downward; deviation. The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections. (Lowth)

2. The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course.

3. (Science: optics) a deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction.

4. (Science: engineering) The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.

Origin: L. Deflexio, fr. Deflectere: cf. F. Deflexion.