Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for chaos

chaos

[key-os]

noun

  1. a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.

    Antonyms: calm, peace, order
  2. any confused, disorderly mass.

    a chaos of meaningless phrases.

  3. the infinity of space or formless matter supposed to have preceded the existence of the ordered universe.

  4. (initial capital letter),  the personification of this in any of several ancient Greek myths.

  5. Obsolete.,  a chasm or abyss.



chaos

/ ˈkeɪɒs, keɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

  1. complete disorder; utter confusion

  2. (usually capital) the disordered formless matter supposed to have existed before the ordered universe

  3. an obsolete word for abyss

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

chaos

  1. The behavior of systems that follow deterministic laws but appear random and unpredictable. Chaotic systems very are sensitive to initial conditions; small changes in those conditions can lead to quite different outcomes. One example of chaotic behavior is the flow of air in conditions of turbulence.

  2. See more at fractal

chaos

  1. A new branch of science that deals with systems whose evolution depends very sensitively upon the initial conditions. Turbulent flows of fluids (such as white water in a river) and the prediction of the weather are two areas where chaos theory has been applied with some success.

Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • chaotic adjective
  • chaotically adverb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin, Greek cháos; akin to chasm, yawn, gape
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos1

C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare chasm , yawn
Discover More

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.

A Russian delegate described proceedings as "chaos" as he addressed the plenary Friday after talks had lasted into the early hours.

Read more on Barron's

Wall Street can help investors navigate the chaos—a little.

Read more on Barron's

Retail shops and restaurants often close bathrooms to noncustomers to manage chaos and costs.

The White House’s late-night announcement of the program restrictions sparked days of chaos.

France Inc. isn’t totally immune to chaos in the National Assembly.

Read more on Barron's

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


chaordicchaos theory