normal: [17] Latin norma originally denoted a sort of set square used by carpenters, masons, etc for measuring right angles. It was extended metaphorically to a ‘rule, pattern, precept’, but English originally took over its derivative normālis as a mathematical term, in the fairly literal sense ‘perpendicular’. The more familiar modern sense ‘standard, usual’ did not emerge until the 19th century, at about the same time as normality, normalcy, and norm itself began to appear on the scene.
c. 1500, "typical, common;" 1640s, "standing at a right angle," from Late Latin normalis "in conformity with rule, normal," from Latin normalis "made according to a carpenter's square," from norma "rule, pattern," literally "carpenter's square" (see norm). Meaning "conforming to common standards, usual" is from 1828, but probably older than the record [Barnhart].
As a noun meaning "usual state or condition," from 1890. Sense of "normal person or thing" is from 1894. Normal school (1834) is from French école normale (1794), a republican foundation. The city of Normal, Illinois, U.S., was named 1857 for the normal school established there.
双语例句
1. Life has not yet returned to normal but we are getting there.
生活还没有恢复正常，不过就快了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The device can discriminate between the cancerous and the normal cells.
这台仪器可以辨别癌细胞和正常的细胞。
来自柯林斯例句
3. This picture shows the view from a car using normal dipped lights.
这幅图片显示的是从一辆使用正常近光灯的汽车上所看到的景色。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Why can't I live a normal life in my own country?
为什么我不能在自己的国家过正常的生活呢？
来自柯林斯例句
5. She led a normal, happy life with her sister and brother.
