əˈstigməˌtizəm, aˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: astigmat ic + -ism
1. physics : a defect of an optical system (as a lens or mirror) in consequence of which rays from a single point of an object fail to meet in a single focal point thus causing the image of a point to be drawn out into a line and the images of lines having a certain direction to be less distinct than those of lines transverse to that direction
2. : a defect of vision due to astigmatism of the refractive system of the eye commonly caused by irregular conformation of the cornea
3. : distorted mental perception suggestive of the blurred vision of a person affected with astigmatism of the eyes : want of true discernment or appreciation especially when resulting from prejudice or deliberate obtuseness
foreign travelers … whose subjective observations were highly colored by their own mental astigmatism , provincialism, and an absurd moral rectitude — E.J.Simmons
swayed … by his astigmatism and his hates — H.L.Ickes