fluctuation

fluc·tu·a·tion

noun \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən\

Definition of FLUCTUATION

1

: a motion like that of waves; especially : the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion

2

a : a slight and nonheritable variation; especially : such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors b : recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)

—fluc·tu·ate \ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt\ verb, fluc·tu·at·ed fluc·tu·at·ing