turbulent

/ˈtɜːbjʊlənt/

chaotic and unpredictable

The flight was turbulent due to strong winds.

The flight experienced sudden, violent movements in the air.

general

Characterized by conflict, confusion, or disorder; chaotic and unpredictable

The political climate became increasingly turbulent after the election.

The political situation became more chaotic and unstable.

Her turbulent childhood was filled with frequent moves and family strife.

Her early years were marked by instability and emotional distress.

Often used to describe situations, emotions, or periods of time that are unstable or disruptive.

Engineering

technical

Of or relating to turbulent flow in fluids, where the motion is irregular and chaotic

Turbulent flow occurs when fluid velocity fluctuates randomly.

In fluid dynamics, turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic, unpredictable motion.

In fluid mechanics, turbulence is a state of fluid motion where the flow is highly irregular.

Collocations

turbulent timesperiods of instability or upheavalturbulent waterschaotic or dangerous situationsturbulent relationshipa relationship marked by conflict or instability

a state of fluid motion characterized by chaotic movement

Turbulent is often used to describe emotional or social instability, not just physical chaos.

In technical contexts, turbulent refers to fluid dynamics; in general use, it describes disorder.

From Latin 'turbulentus', meaning 'full of commotion', derived from 'turba' (crowd, turmoil).

Often used metaphorically to describe emotional or social instability.

turbul

crowd, commotion

root

-ent

full of, characterized by

suffix

English Dictionary