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

Chaos is to his benefit, so he'll try to increase it at every turn.

From Salon

First single Kiss Ur Face Forever is a grunge-pop anthem to physical infatuation, while the follow-up Little Chaos is a frantic reflection of an unsettled mind.

From BBC

“Chaos helps the change candidate, which is why both Trump and Harris have been trying to make the case that they are the candidate of change, of going forward,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

He is the author of “Making Sense of Chaos: A Better Economics for a Better World.”

From Los Angeles Times

I know this firsthand, from trying to explain the mechanics of Russia’s disinformation campaign based on what Alex Gibney had to say in “Agents of Chaos.”

From Salon

Related Words

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