Definition of turbulent
1a : exhibiting physical turbulence turbulent airb : characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous a turbulent marriage
2 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels — Anne Brönte
turbulently
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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
TURBULENT Defined for English Language Learners
turbulent
playDefinition of turbulent for English Language Learners
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: moving in an irregular or violent way
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: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady
TURBULENT Defined for Kids
turbulent
playDefinition 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.
Learn More about turbulent
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turbulent Spanish Central: Translation of turbulent Nglish: Translation of turbulent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of turbulent for Arabic speakers
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