fluctuant

adjective

fluc·​tu·​ant ˈflək-chə-wənt How to pronounce fluctuant (audio)
-chü-ənt
1
: moving in waves
2
3
: being movable and compressible
a fluctuant abscess

Examples of fluctuant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yet here’s another factor: Logan’s health has always been fluctuant, and Armstrong has said that the character was meant to die in Season 1. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Mar. 2023 In fact, trying to do everything on your own can lead to confirmation bias and push you to make fluctuant decisions that prevent you from growing your business. Candice Georgiadis, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2022 Going forward, Thomas sees his starting quarterback as a fluctuant decision. Theo MacKie, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluctuant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluctuant was in 1560

Dictionary Entries Near fluctuant

Cite this Entry

“Fluctuant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuant. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

fluctuant

adjective
fluc·​tu·​ant ˈflək-chə-wənt How to pronounce fluctuant (audio)
: movable and compressible
used of abnormal body structures (as some abscesses or tumors)
the fluctuant mass in his abdomenOliver Sacks
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