An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Lacking symmetry, even shape, formal arrangement, etc. → irregular galaxy;
   → irregular variable.
   

2. Not according to rule, or to the accepted principle, method, course, order, etc.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. irregulier, from M.L. irregularis, from → in- “not” + L. regularis from regula “rule,” from PIE *reg- “move in a straight line,” hence, “to direct, rule” (cf. Pers. râst “right, straight;” O.Pers. rāsta- “straight, true,” rās- “to be right, straight, true;” Av. rāz-
“to direct, put in line, set,” razan- “order;” Skt. raj- “to direct, stretch,” rjuyant- “walking straight;” Gk. orektos “stretched out;” L. regere “to lead straight, guide, rule,” p.p. rectus “right, straight;” Ger. recht; E. right).

Etymology (PE): Bisâmân, from bi- “not, without” + sâmân “order, arrangement, disposition; boundary, limit,” Lârestâni sâmon “sign or mark separating one field from another,” Gilaki, Tabari šalmân “a straight peace of wood or beam, post;”
Mid.Pers. sâmânak, sahmân “limit;” loaned into Arm. sahmân; cf. Skt. sīmān-, sīmā- “boundary, border, limit.”