How can anomalies in data be best described?

Anomalies in data are best described as data points that deviate significantly from the expected pattern or distribution of the data. This means that these outliers may indicate special events, measurement errors, or rare occurrences that differ from the norm. Identifying anomalies is crucial in various fields such as fraud detection, network security, and fault detection, as they can provide insights into important issues that need attention.

For instance, in a dataset representing normal temperatures, an extremely high or low temperature reading could be identified as an anomaly. Recognizing and understanding these deviations allows analysts and organizations to act on unusual trends or conditions that may warrant further investigation or action. This clear distinction of what constitutes an anomaly underscores the significance of variations from the expected data behavior.