turbulence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a state of violent disturbance and disorder, as in politics or social conditions generally

   The industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence.

2. 2
   noun

   The state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance.

   Turbulence was everywhere, within every blade of grass, every drop of dew on a leaf, every cloud in the sky, and every star beyond. The turbulence was purposeless, but in huge quantities of purposeless turbulence, purpose took shape.

3. 3
   noun

   An instance or type of such state or disturbance.

   In a brief and abashed Tory conference speech, Kwarteng admitted it had been a “tough day” – hours after rowing back on the tax cut for high earners. He said his economic plan had caused “a little turbulence”.

4. 4
   noun

   unstable flow of a liquid or gas

5. 5
   noun

   instability in the atmosphere

6. 6
   noun

   Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.

7. 7
   noun

   Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.

Etymology

From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.