turbidity
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of turbidity
First recorded in 1620–30; from Medieval Latin turbiditās, from Latin turbid(us) + -itās -ity ( def. ); see turbid ( def. )
Explanation
Turbidity is a quality of cloudiness or murkiness, particularly of water. The turbidity of the lake at your summer camp might make you wonder if the water is safe for swimming (of course, if you stand there wondering for too long, your bunkmate might push you in). When the turbidity of a liquid is high, that means it's hard to see light through it — it's nearly opaque. A body of water's turbidity can reflect how healthy it might be for organisms living there. For example, the turbidity of your fish tank can tell you a lot about how recently it's been cleaned. The Latin source of this word, turbidus, means "muddy or full of confusion."
Vocabulary lists containing turbidity
Human Impacts on Earth Systems - Middle School and High School
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Man Made Monsters
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Modern dishwashers use a turbidity sensor to detect how dirty the water, and therefore the dish, is.
From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026
These ships also risk causing turbidity, making the water opaque by stirring up the seafloor, and thereby harming the balance of species and food pyramid.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2025
Worldwide, the turbidity of many coastal waters has been declining for decades, making the tidal flats sensitive to loss.
From Science Daily ● May 6, 2024
In October, they placed 20 sensors off West Maui that measure temperature, salinity, oxygen, turbidity and chlorophyll every five minutes.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024
It was turbid with suspended matter, though not so turbid as in summer; but the difference in force and quantity would, I think, be sufficient to account for the greater summer turbidity.
From The Glaciers of the Alps Being a narrative of excursions and ascents, etc. by John Tyndall
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