fluctuation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the quality of being unsteady and subject to changes

   They kept a record of price fluctuations.

2. 2
   noun

   a wave motion

   the fluctuations of the sea

3. 3
   noun

   A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that direction; an irregular rising and falling.

   the fluctuations of the sea

4. 4
   noun

   A wavering; unsteadiness.

   fluctuations of opinion

5. 5
   noun

   an instance of change

6. 6
   noun

   In medicine, a wave-like motion or undulation of a fluid in a natural or abnormal cavity (e.g. pus in an abscess), which is felt during palpation or percussion.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin fluctuatiōnem, accusative singular of fluctuatiō, from fluctuō, from fluctus. Morphologically fluctuate + -ion.