turbulence

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin turbulentia, or from turbulent + -ence.

noun

1. (uncountable) The state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance.
   Turbulence was everywhere, within every blade of grass, every drop of dew on a leaf, every cloud in the sky, and every star beyond. The turbulence was purposeless, but in huge quantities of purposeless turbulence, purpose took shape. 2008, Luo Ji, The Dark Forest
2. (uncountable) Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
3. (uncountable, aviation) Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.
4. (countable) An instance or type of such state or disturbance.
   In a brief and abashed Tory conference speech, Kwarteng admitted it had been a “tough day” – hours after rowing back on the tax cut for high earners. He said his economic plan had caused “a little turbulence”. 2022-10-03, Kwasi Kwarteng, quotee, “Tory MPs plot to avert welfare squeeze after humiliating U-turns”, in The Guardian