turbulence

American  

[tur-byuh-luhns] / ˈtɜr byə ləns /

Sometimes turbulency

noun

1. the quality or state of being turbulent; violent disorder or commotion.

2. Hydraulics. the haphazard secondary motion caused by eddies within a moving fluid.

3. Meteorology. irregular motion of the atmosphere, as that indicated by gusts and lulls in the wind.

---

turbulence British  

/ ˈtɜːbjʊləns, ˈtɜːbjʊˌlənsɪ /

noun

1. a state or condition of confusion, movement, or agitation; disorder

2. meteorol local instability in the atmosphere, oceans, or rivers

3. turbulent flow in a liquid or gas

---

turbulence Scientific  

/ tûr′byə-ləns /

1. Chaotic or unstable eddying motion in a fluid. Avoiding excessive turbulence generated around moving objects (such as airplanes), which can make their motion inefficient and difficult to control, is a major factor in aerodynamic design.

---

Etymology

Origin of turbulence

From the Late Latin word turbulentia, dating back to 1590–1600. See turbulent, -ence

Example Sentences

The trade surplus reached a monthly record on strong demand for semiconductor shipments, a key growth engine through last year’s tariff-related trade turbulence.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it comes at an inopportune time for the industry, as investors pull money from some private-credit funds amid turbulence in that market.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is also the issue of Yemen itself, which has been relatively calm for some time after years of turbulence and war.

From BBC

While private credit firms like Blue Owl Capital saw investors bolt from their funds last year, industry leader Ares Management Corp. cruised above the turbulence—until now.

From Barron's

The 2024 crash was caused by "an encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an inflight breakup", a report by the National Transportation Safety Board said.

From BBC

Related Words

• conflict
• confusion
• disturbance
• instability
• tumult
• turmoil
• unrest