turbid

[ tur-bid ]

adjective

1. not clear or transparent because of stirred-up sediment or the like; clouded; opaque; obscured:

   the turbid waters near the waterfall.

   Synonyms: muddy, cloudy, murky

2. thick or dense, as smoke or clouds.
3. confused; muddled; disturbed:

   The real reason for the impenetrability of certain writing is often the turbid minds of the writers.

turbid

/ ˈtɜːbɪd /

adjective

1. muddy or opaque, as a liquid clouded with a suspension of particles
2. dense, thick, or cloudy

   turbid fog

3. in turmoil or confusion

Derived Forms

• turˈbidity, noun
• ˈturbidly, adverb

Other Words From

• tur·bid·i·ty [tur-, bid, -i-tee], tur·bid·ness noun
• tur·bid·ly adverb
• un·tur·bid adjective
• un·tur·bid·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbid¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin turbidus “disturbed,” equivalent to turb(āre) “to disturb” (derivative of turba “turmoil”) + -idus adjective suffix ( -id ⁴ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbid¹

C17: from Latin turbidus , from turbāre to agitate, from turba crowd

Example Sentences

The emptying of the reservoirs has released vast amounts of sediment that had accumulated behind the dams, sending pulses of turbid brown water into the river.

From Los Angeles Times

"When the cichlids were young, they had this huge plasticity and were able to alter their physiology in order to cope with the turbid environmental conditions," Tiarks said.

From Science Daily

"After all, turbid water means more sand and silt particles in the water, which can allow the coast to grow," the researcher explains.

From Science Daily

Standing on a bluff overlooking Iron Gate Dam, Hillman watched the turbid, chocolate-colored water flowing from a tunnel and passing downriver.

From Los Angeles Times

Ukrainian troops evacuated its staff before a 4-meter wave of turbid, polluted water flooded the station and its breeding ponds.

From Science Magazine