turbulence
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɝbjəɫəns// UK //tˈɜːbjʊləns// tur·bu·lence
n. rough or unsteady movement, especially in air or water. You use this word when a plane shakes during a flight or when the sea is choppy.
n. irregular and violent motion of a fluid, such as air or water, causing shaking or instability. Often used to describe sudden changes in weather or social conditions.
The plane hit turbulence over the ocean.
Passengers fastened their seatbelts as the aircraft entered a zone of heavy turbulence.
The sudden turbulence disrupted the flight path, forcing the pilot to adjust altitude while the cabin crew secured the galley carts.
From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.