Turbulence Meaning
/ˈtɜː.bjə.ləns/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance.
nounDisturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
Sentence Examples
We are currently experiencing some turbulence.
A bird flying out of the water is careful not to cause turbulence.
We had a rough flight because of turbulence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The airplane experienced severe ____ during the storm, causing passengers to feel uneasy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft experienced some moderate ____ as it flew through the clouds, causing the passengers to fasten their safety belts today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 2008, Luo Ji, The Dark Forest, →ISBN:
"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”."
— 2022 October 3, Kwasi Kwarteng, quotee, “Tory MPs plot to avert welfare squeeze after humiliating U-turns”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The airplane experienced severe ____ during the storm, causing passengers to feel uneasy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The aircraft experienced some moderate ____ as it flew through the clouds, causing the passengers to fasten their safety belts today.