Main Entry: fluc·tu·a·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən\

Function: noun

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