Definition of TURBULENCE

turbulence

Meanings

Plural: turbulences

Noun

  • unstable flow of a liquid or gas
  • instability in the atmosphere
  • a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
    • "the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence"
  • The state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance.
  • Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
  • Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.
  • An instance or type of such state or disturbance.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.

Synonyms

Sturm und Drang, turbulency, upheaval

Scrabble Score: 14

turbulence is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
turbulence is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
turbulence is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

turbulence is a valid Words With Friends word