Atípicas

Atípicas is the feminine plural form of atípico, an adjective used to denote something that is not typical, does not fit the usual pattern, or deviates from what is considered standard in a given context. It is employed to describe characteristics, phenomena, or manifestations that differ from the norm or expected.

In medicine, the term is often used to indicate presentations or etiologies that do not follow the classical pattern. Pneumonias atípicas, for example, are illnesses caused by organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella, which can present with symptoms or radiographic findings that diverge from those of pneumonias caused by typical bacteria. The label can also apply to infections, tumors, or other diseases that do not conform to the standard clinical picture.

In other fields, atípicas is used to describe data, patterns, or phenomena that diverge from established norms. In linguistics, sociology, education, and information science, for instance, researchers may refer to atypical forms, behaviors, or structures when analyzing deviations from expected models or templates.

In pharmacology and psychiatry, the related term antipsicóticos atípicos is common, referring to a class of medications distinct from traditional antipsychotics; the broader idea of “formas atípicas” can also appear when discussing alternative approaches or nonstandard presentations within a domain.

The term does not imply a value judgment; it signals deviation from a reference standard within a specific context. See also atípico, atipicidad, pneumonia atípica.