— exceptionality , n. — exceptionally , adv. — exceptionalness , n.
/ik sep"sheuh nl/ , adj.
1. forming an exception or rare instance; unusual; extraordinary: The warm weather was exceptional for January.
2. unusually excellent; superior: an exceptional violinist.
3. Educ. (of a child)
a. being intellectually gifted.
b. being physically or esp. mentally handicapped to an extent that special schooling is required.
[ 1840-50; EXCEPTION + -AL 1 ]
Syn. 1. uncommon, singular, strange, unnatural, aberrant, anomalous. See irregular .
Ant. 2. average.