chaos

[ key-os ]

noun

1. a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.

   Synonyms: tumult, turmoil, jumble, disarray

   Antonyms: calm, peace, order

2. any confused, disorderly mass:

   a chaos of meaningless phrases.

3. the infinity of space or formless matter supposed to have preceded the existence of the ordered universe.
4. (initial capital letter) the personification of this in any of several ancient Greek myths.
5. Obsolete. a chasm or abyss.

chaos

/ ˈkeɪɒs; keɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. complete disorder; utter confusion
2. usually capital the disordered formless matter supposed to have existed before the ordered universe
3. an obsolete word for abyss

chaos

/ kā′ŏs′ /

1. The behavior of systems that follow deterministic laws but appear random and unpredictable. Chaotic systems very are sensitive to initial conditions; small changes in those conditions can lead to quite different outcomes. One example of chaotic behavior is the flow of air in conditions of turbulence.
2. See more at fractal

chaos

1. A new branch of science that deals with systems whose evolution depends very sensitively upon the initial conditions. Turbulent flows of fluids (such as white water in a river) and the prediction of the weather are two areas where chaos theory has been applied with some success.

Derived Forms

• chaotic, adjective
• chaˈotically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin, Greek cháos; akin to chasm, yawn, gape

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare chasm , yawn

Example Sentences

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said there was "chaos throughout the day" in Manchester stations.

From BBC

Amidst this chaos and as millions crossed borders, religious violence spread with Hindus and Sikhs on one side, and Muslims on the other.

From BBC

“The best protection is the democratic process and voting. At this point, changes are coming. However, the chaos of the change does not need to be permanent,” Hoover said.

From Salon

When a blizzard hits the town and leaves the parents separated from the children, their carefully planned celebrations are thrown into chaos.

From BBC

The very short headline set was pretty typical Carti–ripping live metal guitars, frantic redlined vocals and a scrum of new cuts like “Ketamine” that seethed with tension and circle-pit chaos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anarchy
• disarray
• discord
• disorder
• lawlessness
• pandemonium
• tumult
• turmoil