# Brownian motion

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/brownian-motion
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A state of chaos or disarray.

## Examples

- The office is in a state of Brownian motion today.
- With the manager away and the project deadline approaching, the team fell into a state of Brownian motion.
- The sudden resignation of the entire board plunged the corporation into a state of Brownian motion, leaving investors uncertain about the company's future.

## Origin

Named after Scottish botanist Robert Brown (1773–1858), who investigated the movement of pollen suspended in water.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.