turbulence

Sometimes tur·bu·len·cy

[tur-byuh-luhns]

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

/ 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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulence¹

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

Example Sentences

England women's winter of turbulence led them to a summer of soul searching.

From BBC

Her daughter-in-law Manjit Kaur said that the young widow wanted to shield her sons from and escape the political turbulence in India's Punjab state at the time.

From BBC

In less than two years France has gone through five prime ministers, a political feat unsurpassed even in Rome's times of post-war political turbulence.

From BBC

The fashion firm said it was increasingly difficult for "a small company navigating the turbulence in the fashion wholesale sector, ongoing cost pressures and international trading restrictions".

From BBC

The 9/11 Museum faced years of financial turbulence, including pandemic-era revenue losses, rising operating costs, and controversy over ticket price hikes.

From Salon

Related Words

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