turbulence
[ tur-byuh-luh ns ]
/ ˈtɜr byə ləns /
noun
the quality or state of being turbulent; violent disorder or commotion.
Hydraulics. the haphazard secondary motion caused by eddies within a moving fluid.
Meteorology. irregular motion of the atmosphere, as that indicated by gusts and lulls in the wind.
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Nearby words
turbopump, turboshaft, turbosupercharger, turbot, turbotrain, turbulence, turbulent, turbulent flow, turco, turco-, turcoman
Sometimes tur·bu·len·cy.
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Examples from the Web for turbulence
British Dictionary definitions for turbulence
turbulence
rarely turbulency (ˈtɜːbjʊˌlənsɪ)
/ (ˈtɜːbjʊləns) /
noun
a state or condition of confusion, movement, or agitation; disorder
meteorol local instability in the atmosphere, oceans, or rivers
turbulent flow in a liquid or gas
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for turbulence
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for turbulence
turbulence
[ tûr′byə-ləns ]
Chaotic or unstable eddying motion in a fluid. Avoiding excessive turbulence generated around moving objects (such as airplanes), which can make their motion inefficient and difficult to control, is a major factor in aerodynamic design.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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