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turbulence - 4 dictionary results

tur⋅bu⋅lence

[tur-byuh-luhns]
–noun
1. the quality or state of being turbulent; violent disorder or commotion.
2. Hydraulics. the haphazard secondary motion caused by eddies within a moving fluid.
3. Meteorology. irregular motion of the atmosphere, as that indicated by gusts and lulls in the wind.
Also, tur⋅bu⋅len⋅cy.


Origin:
1590–1600; < LL turbulentia. See turbulent, -ence
tur·bu·lence   (tûr'byə-ləns)   
n.  
  1. The state or quality of being turbulent: times of turbulence and confusion.
  2. Turbulent flow.
  3. An eddying motion of the atmosphere that interrupts the flow of wind.

Turbulence

Tur"bu*lence\, n. [L. turbulentia: cf. F. turbulebce.] The quality or state of being turbulent; a disturbed state; tumult; disorder; agitation. --Shak.

The years of . . . warfare and turbulence which ensued. --Southey.

Syn: Agitation; commotion; tumult; tumultuousness; termagance; unruliness; insubordination; rioting.
turbulence   (tûr'byə-ləns)  Pronunciation Key 
Chaotic or unstable eddying motion in a fluid. Avoiding excessive turbulence generated around moving objects (such as airplanes), which can make their motion inefficient and difficult to control, is a major factor in aerodynamic design.
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