Distortion: Total harmonic distortion in an asymmetrically clipped sinewave

The application of a signal to an electronic system such as an amplifier invariably results in an output that is, in some sense and to some extent, a distorted version of that input signal. The application to which the system is put is a major determiner of whether or not the distortion can be neglected or, at least, of how much distortion can be tolerated.