turbulence (n.)

early 15c., from Late Latin turbulentia "trouble, disquiet," from Latin turbulentus (see turbulent). In reference to atmospheric eddies that affect airplanes, by 1918. Related: Turbulency.

Entries linking to turbulence

turbulent (adj.)

early 15c., "disorderly, tumultuous, unruly" (of persons), from Old French turbulent (12c.), from Latin turbulentus "full of commotion, restless, disturbed, boisterous, stormy," figuratively "troubled, confused," from turba "turmoil, crowd" (see turbid). In reference to weather, from 1570s. Related: Turbulently.

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updated on February 20, 2014

Definitions of turbulence from WordNet

turbulence (n.)

unstable flow of a liquid or gas;

Synonyms: turbulency

turbulence (n.)

instability in the atmosphere;

turbulence (n.)

a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally);

the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence

Synonyms: upheaval / Sturm und Drang

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near turbulence

turbid

turbidity

turbine

turbo-

turbot

turbulence

turbulent

turd

tureen

turf

turgid