turbulence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun unstable flow of a liquid or gas
    turbulency.
  2. noun instability in the atmosphere
  3. noun a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
    upheaval; Sturm und Drang.
    • the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence

WordNet

Tur"bu*lence noun
Etymology
L. turbulentia: cf. F. turbulebce.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being turbulent; a disturbed state; tumult; disorder; agitation. Shak.
    The years of . . . warfare and turbulence which ensued. Southey.
    Syn. -- Agitation; commotion; tumult; tumultuousness; termagance; unruliness; insubordination; rioting.

Webster 1913