turbulence
/ˈtɜː.bjə.ləns/
turbulence means the state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance. It carries an Arena rating of 1655, earned across 7 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, turbulence ranks #185 of 17,123 for Most Malleable Words, #601 of 17,118 for Most Ponderous Words, #2,425 of 17,130 for Most Ingenious Words, #3,638 of 17,115 for Most Vivid Words.
turbulence is pronounced /ˈtɜː.bjə.ləns/.
Why “turbulence” is a great word
A state of violent or unsteady movement in a fluid or gas, or a condition of instability, disorder, or commotion. From Middle English *turbulence*, from Late Latin *turbulentia* (“trouble, disquiet”), from Latin *turbulentus* (“restless, disturbed”). Unlike “commotion,” a noisy and localized human disturbance, or “flow,” the ideal of smooth and continuous motion, turbulence is the mathematics of disorder made manifest. It is the invisible fist that rocks an airplane, the wild and choppy fractal of whitewater over stone, and the warm, erratic breath of a storm before it breaks—the deep understanding that even in systems governed by laws, the smooth arc of things gives way to something wilder, more honest, and ultimately more true.
Etymology
From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.
noun
- 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.
Words closest in meaning
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