sapma

Sapma is a Turkish noun meaning deviation, divergence, or distortion from a reference point, standard, or expected value. The term is widely used across science, engineering, and everyday language to describe differences between observed values and targets, or misalignments in systems and processes. In Turkish, sapma can denote both quantitative differences and qualitative departures from norms, and it forms the basis for related phrases such as sapma değeri (deviation value), sapma açısı (angle of deviation), and standart sapma (standard deviation).

In statistics and measurement, sapma refers to the distance between an observed value and a reference value, such as the true value or desired target. Sapma can be random (unpredictable variation) or systematic (consistent bias). The concept is related to, but distinct from, measures of dispersion like the standart sapma, which summarizes typical variation around a central value.

In physics, engineering, and the applied sciences, sapma often describes the deviation of a path or alignment from its intended course. Examples include angular sapma in optics or mechanical systems, and lateral sapma in manufacturing tolerances. Exceeding permissible sapma indicates a defect or the need for adjustment.

In everyday Turkish, sapma also appears in a broader sense of deviating from plans, behavior, or social norms. The related verb sapmak means to deviate or turn aside, while sapma as a noun captures the resulting divergence in various contexts.