chaos

[key-os]

noun

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

   Synonyms: tumult, turmoil, jumble, disarray
   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

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.

Other Word Forms

• chaotic adjective
• chaotically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare _chasm , yawn

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• anarchy 
• disarray 
• discord 
• disorder 
• lawlessness 
• pandemonium 
• tumult 
• turmoil