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

They’re exacting and skillful at their jobs, but chaos follows and mistakes are made that have detrimental, often deadly, effects.

From Los Angeles Times

The turmoil plunged Europe's largest economy into political chaos, hours after Donald Trump's US election victory triggered uncertainty about the future of the continent's economy and security.

From BBC

"That went down a lot better than it did in Eurovision," he laughed, shortly before Jedward invaded the stage and caused utter chaos.

From BBC

What Beyoncé is doing, Palmer says, is performance art — “emoting something that is meant to be an aspirational exploration of feminism, gender-nonconformity but still softness, being assertive, having her peace in chaos with ‘Lemonade.’”

From Los Angeles Times

And months later it still influences how I view international relations and political chaos, how I contend with world leaders, how I vote.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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