turbulence

American  

[tur-byuh-luhns] / ˈtɜr byə ləns /

Sometimes turbulency

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.

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turbulence British  

/ 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

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turbulence Scientific  

/ tûr′byə-ləns /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of turbulence

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

Example Sentences

With the government shutdown impacting demand at the start of the quarter, the sector needs strong Thanksgiving and Christmas travel to avoid further turbulence.

From Barron's

The market has seen some turbulence lately, but overall stock prices have been on a tear since April, boosting troop net worths.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors worried about the future of the dollar or simply looking for a hedge against turbulence have piled into the precious metal, sending prices to numerous records this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Airline stocks have overcome severe turbulence in 2025 to fly into positive territory.

From Barron's

It is a chance for him to set out his spiritual and geopolitical vision after six months as pontiff, notable for its relative quiet after years of turbulence in the Catholic Church.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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