Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - exception

~ n 1 something or someone that is not included in a rule, does not follow the expected pattern etc  (With one or two notable exceptions, there are few women conductors. | no exception (=used to emphasize that a law or rule concerns someone or something))  (The law applies to all European countries; Britain is no exception. | minor exception (=one that is not very important) | exception to a rule)  (The spelling of this word is an interesting exception to the rule. | the exception that proves the rule (=used to say that the fact that something is not true or does not exist in one situation emphasizes the fact that it is true or exists in general))  (Most people here are very dedicated; I'm afraid Rhea's the exception that proves the rule.) 2 make an exception used to say that on one particular occasion the normal rules or standards do not have to be obeyed  (We don't usually give credit, but as you're a regular customer we'll make an exception this time.) 3 take exception to sth to be angry or upset because of something  (Tom took great exception to my remark about Americans.) 4 without exception used to say that something is true of all the people or things in a group  (Every type of plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.) 5 with the exception of used to introduce the only thing, person, or place about which a statement is not true  (I think everyone, with the possible exception of Fauzi, will pass the exam.)