perturbation
noun
per·tur·ba·tion
ˌpər-tər-ˈbā-shən 
ˌpər-ˌtər-
1
: the action of perturbing : the state of being perturbed
2
: a disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium
especially
: a disturbance of the regular and usually elliptical course of motion of a celestial body that is produced by some force additional to that which causes its regular motion
Examples of perturbation in a Sentence
a perturbation in the planet's orbit
in her perturbation she kept calling her son, a freshman, to see if everything was all right at college
Recent Examples on the Web
However, as the comet recedes from the sun, planetary perturbations will make the orbit even more elongated, so the next return to perihelion (of whatever of it is that is still left of it) will be about 600,000 years hence.
—
Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Additionally, the multiplex array generates RNAs customized for various types of genetic perturbation.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
This new tool, known as minimal, versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT), combines the powers of gene editing, activation, and repression into a single, compact system.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
That perturbation becomes much more complicated when many large particles are released at once, each with its own wake that affects its neighbors.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perturbation
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Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Additionally, the multiplex array generates RNAs customized for various types of genetic perturbation.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
This new tool, known as minimal, versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT), combines the powers of gene editing, activation, and repression into a single, compact system.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
That perturbation becomes much more complicated when many large particles are released at once, each with its own wake that affects its neighbors.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perturbation
Cite this Entry
“Perturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perturbation. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perturbation
noun
per·tur·ba·tion
ˌpərt-ər-ˈbā-shən
ˌpər-ˌtər-
1
: the action of perturbing
2
: the state of being perturbed
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