turbulence

Sometimes tur·bu·len·cy

[tur-byuh-luhns]

noun

1. the quality or state of being turbulent; violent disorder or commotion.

2. Hydraulics.,  the haphazard secondary motion caused by eddies within a moving fluid.

3. Meteorology.,  irregular motion of the atmosphere, as that indicated by gusts and lulls in the wind.

turbulence

/ ˈtɜːbjʊləns, ˈtɜːbjʊˌlənsɪ /

noun

1. a state or condition of confusion, movement, or agitation; disorder

2. meteorol local instability in the atmosphere, oceans, or rivers

3. turbulent flow in a liquid or gas

turbulence

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulence¹

From the Late Latin word turbulentia, dating back to 1590–1600. See turbulent, -ence

Example Sentences

The market turbulence on Friday saw the price of gold reach a fresh record high of $4,380 per ounce, as investors looked for safe havens for their money.

Read more on BBC

James Madison memorably concluded, in Federalist No. 10, that democracies “have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Signs that the market might be bracing for some upcoming turbulence first started to emerge in late September.

Read more on MarketWatch

It suggests that traders are expecting more turbulence ahead, Forster noted.

Read more on MarketWatch

Gold prices tend to rise when investors are worried about the economic outlook or geopolitical shocks, helping offset possible declines in stocks during times of market turbulence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conflict 
• confusion 
• disturbance 
• instability 
• tumult 
• turmoil 
• unrest