ˈtərbyələn(t)s, ˈtə̄b-, ˈtəib-, ÷ -bəl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin turbulentia, from Latin turbulentus turbulent + -ia -y
1. : the quality or state of being turbulent: as
a. : wild unruly disorderly commotion : disposition to stormy unruliness : violent agitation or disturbance : great perturbation : disorderly or tumultuous conduct
the landmark of order in the midst of turbulence and crime — S.H.Holbrook
the turbulence of the Scottish border in the early seventeenth century — Henry Cavendish
the political changes accomplished this day do not imply turbulence , upheaval, or disorder — D.D.Eisenhower
b. : highly irregular atmospheric motion characterized by rapid changes in wind speed and direction and the presence of up and down currents
c. : departure in a fluid from a smooth or streamline flow with accompanying sinuosity and eddies due to an obstruction or to exceeding a critical speed
2. : an instance or case of turbulence
gigantic turbulences set up in this vast poisonous atmosphere by the planet's … rapid rotation — Springfield (Massachusetts) Daily News
Synonyms: see commotion