fluctuation

fluctuation (ˌflʌktjʊˈeɪʃən)

—n
1.	constant change; vacillation; instability
2.	undulation
3.	a variation in an animal or plant that is determined by environment rather than heredity

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

fluctuation

mid-15c., from L. fluctuationem (nom. fluctuatio), from fluctuare "to undulate," from fluctus "wave," from pp. of fluere "to flow" (see fluent).

Example sentences

Life does know how to adjust and is always in a state of fluctuation to the

greener side of the fence.

They say that nature is actually in a continuing state of disturbance and

fluctuation.

We have seen only a slight fluctuation in support for either side during this

debate.

One should really point out that there is a constant fluctuation of ice in the

north.

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Matching Quote

"Our discussion will be adequate; if it has as much clearness as the subject-matter admits of; for precision is not to be sought for alike in all discussions, and more than in all the products of the crafts. Now fine and just actions, which political science investigates, exhibit much variety and fluctuation, so that they may be thought to exist only by convention, and not by nature. And goods also exhibit a similar fluctuation.... We must be content, then, in speaking of such subjects and with such premises, to indicate the truth roughly and in outline.... In the same spirit, therefore, should each of our statements be received; for it is the mark of an educated man to look for precision in each class of things just so far as the nature of the subject admits: it is evidently equally foolish to accept probable reasoning from a mathematician and to demand from a rhetorician demonstrative proofs."

-Aristotle