turbulence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Sudden, violent movements of the air that shake an aircraft during flight.

   The plane hit some turbulence and the seatbelt signs came on.

2. 2
   noun

   A period of great disorder, conflict, or sudden change.

   The industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence.

3. 3
   noun

   The unsteady, swirling movement of a liquid or gas.

   Turbulence in the water made the small boat hard to steer.

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

Topics