FLUCTUATION

fluctuation, wavering

(noun) the quality of being unsteady and subject to changes; “he kept a record of price fluctuations”

variation, fluctuation

(noun) an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change

fluctuation

(noun) a wave motion; “the fluctuations of the sea”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

fluctuation (countable and uncountable, plural fluctuations)

A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that direction.

A wavering; unsteadiness.

In medicine, a wave-like motion or undulation of a fluid in a natural or abnormal cavity (e.g. pus in an abscess), which is felt during palpation or percussion.

Source: Wiktionary

Fluc`tu*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. fluctuatio; cf. F. fluctuation.]

1. A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that direction; as, the fluctuations of the sea.

2. A wavering; unsteadiness; as, fluctuations of opinion; fluctuations of prices.

3. (Med.)

Definition: The motion or undulation of a fluid collected in a natural or artifical cavity, which is felt when it is subjected to pressure or percussion. Dunglison.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition