turbulence

[ 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

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulence¹

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

Example Sentences

The models revealed a unique internal construction of two opposing sound chambers that create physical air turbulence as the source of the screeching sound.

From Science Daily

The Harris campaign itself believes she lost to Trump because she was facing a restive public angry over the economic and social turbulence in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

From BBC

“There’s going to be a lot of turbulence.”

From Los Angeles Times

There is still some turbulence at the top level, in terms of the power struggle that seems to be going on in the boardroom, but you cannot fault what they are doing on the pitch.

From BBC

But many a voter’s view was baked in the era of the pandemic, inflation, political turbulence and the long tail of consequence caused by the financial crisis of nearly two decades ago.

From BBC

Related Words

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