What does "turbulence" mean?

1. (bumpy air during a flight) the shaky or bumpy movement you feel on a plane when the air is moving unevenly. 2. (confusion or trouble) a state of confusion, violence, or lack of order in a situation or society. 3. (unsteady liquid or gas flow) the messy, swirling movement of a liquid or gas instead of a smooth flow.

How do you use "turbulence"?

Uncountable when referring to the general phenomenon; countable when referring to specific instances. Often used in political or economic contexts to describe periods of change. Used primarily in physics and engineering contexts.

turbulence

US //ˈtɝbjəɫəns// UK //tˈɜːbjʊləns// tur·bu·lence

1 bumpy air during a flight (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

the shaky or bumpy movement you feel on a plane when the air is moving unevenly.

irregular atmospheric motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, resulting in the jolting of an aircraft.

Example

The pilot asked everyone to fasten their seatbelts because of some light turbulence ahead.

Example

The aircraft encountered severe clear-air turbulence over the mountains, causing several minutes of intense buffeting that startled the passengers.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general phenomenon; countable when referring to specific instances.
- instability
- buffeting
- calm
- stillness
2 confusion or trouble (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a state of confusion, violence, or lack of order in a situation or society.

a state of social, political, or emotional agitation characterized by conflict and lack of stability.

Example

The country went through a period of political turbulence after the sudden election results.

Example

Economists predicted a decade of market turbulence as global trade agreements were renegotiated under intense public scrutiny.

Usage

Often used in political or economic contexts to describe periods of change.

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3 unsteady liquid or gas flow (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

the messy, swirling movement of a liquid or gas instead of a smooth flow.

fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity, contrasting with laminar flow.

Example

The water showed a lot of turbulence as it crashed against the rocks in the river.

Example

Engineers studied the turbulence created by the new wing design to ensure it would not compromise the fuel efficiency of the prototype.

Usage

Used primarily in physics and engineering contexts.
- churn
- agitation
- laminar flow

Origin

From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.