turbulent

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adjective tur·bu·lent \-lənt\

Simple Definition of turbulent

: moving in an irregular or violent way
: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of turbulent

1 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance <a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels — Anne Brönte>
2a : characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous <a turbulent marriage>b : exhibiting physical turbulence <turbulent air>

turbulently

adverb

See turbulent defined for English-language learners

See turbulent defined for kids

Examples of turbulent in a sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.

Did You Know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Origin and Etymology of turbulent

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use: 1538

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

TURBULENT Defined for Kids

turbulent

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adjective tur·bu·lent \ˈtər-byə-lənt\

Definition of turbulent for Students

: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance <turbulent protests> <turbulent weather>

Word Root of turbulent

The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.