turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being turbulent: such as

a

: great commotion or agitation

emotional turbulence

b

: irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents

c

: departure in a fluid from a smooth flow

Examples of turbulence in a Sentence

The plane hit quite a bit of turbulence during our flight.

A period of turbulence preceded the riots.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some turbulence is caused by thunderstorms, which are also projected to worsen with climate change. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2024

Cougar’s case engineers tilted its side-panel air inlet toward the center of the case’s interior to reduce airflow turbulence. —PCMAG, 30 May 2024

The two primary kinds of turbulence are clear-air turbulence and convective turbulence, the turbulence that occurs in, say, thunderstorms or in big clouds, big lines of clouds. —Abc News, ABC News, 22 May 2024

However, turbulence can also occur without warning. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing turbulence

• clear-air turbulence

Kids Definition

turbulence

noun

tur·​bu·​lence ˈtər-byə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being turbulent

especially : irregular atmospheric motion with up and down currents