Deflection

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, esp. downward; deviation. The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections. Lowth.

2. The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course.

3. A deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction.

4. The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.