turbulence
/ˈtɝ.bjə.ləns/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.55 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
Uncountable
noun
Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.
Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "Turbulence was everywhere, within every blade of grass, every drop of dew on a leaf, every cloud in the sky, and every star beyond. The turbulence was purposeless, but in huge quantities of purposeless turbulence, purpose took shape."
- "In a brief and abashed Tory conference speech, Kwarteng admitted it had been a “tough day” – hours after rowing back on the tax cut for high earners. He said his economic plan had caused “a little turbulence”."
Etymology
From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: turbulence, turbulentia
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈtɝ.bjə.ləns/
- British English: /ˈtɜː.bjə.ləns/