turbulence
TUR-byuh-luhnss
/ˈtɜːrbjələns/
Violent, irregular movement of air currents or liquid causing sudden, unsteady motion to an aircraft.
Refers to atmospheric disturbances ranging from mild shakes to extreme unannounced altitude shifts.
The story behind the word. Originating from Latin 'turbulentia' (meaning trouble or commotion) built from 'turba' (a mob or turmoil). Fluid dynamicists in the 19th century applied it to swirling fluid patterns, which aviators later adopted for chaotic, bumpy air currents.
Word relationships
- instability: 'Instability' describes general unsteady conditions, while 'turbulence' refers specifically to fluid or air motion.
- commotion: 'Commotion' implies social noise or disorder, whereas 'turbulence' is physical fluid/atmospheric shaking.
- calm: Calm denotes complete stillness and absence of air disturbance.
- smoothness: Smoothness implies an undisturbed, steady flight trajectory.
Commonly confused with
- Disturbance: Disturbance can mean emotional or political trouble, while turbulence strictly describes chaotic fluid or wind flow.
Word family
- turbulent (adjective): Characterized by conflict, disorder, or atmospheric shaking.
Collocations
- severe turbulence
- clear-air turbulence
- encounter turbulence
- hit turbulence
Example sentences
- "The captain turned on the seatbelt sign due to unexpected clear-air turbulence ahead." Inflight Announcement
- "The plane jolted violently through the dark storm clouds, hitting heavy turbulence that rattled the overhead bins." Modern Fiction (Michael Crichton, Airframe)
Memory hook
TURBULENCE makes the flight turn into a TURBO-shaking ride. TURBULENCE = Wild, unruly air motions.
When not to use
Do not confuse with mechanical engine failure or intentional pilot maneuvering.
Fun facts
- Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is completely invisible to human eyes and weather radar, occurring in cloudless skies.
Explore more words
Disorder, upheaval, tempest, chaos, Fluctuation, disturbance
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