TURBULENCE
turbulence, turbulency
(noun) unstable flow of a liquid or gas
turbulence, upheaval, Sturm und Drang
(noun) a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally); “the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence”
turbulence
(noun) instability in the atmosphere
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
turbulence (countable and uncountable, plural turbulences)
(uncountable) The state or fact of being turbulent or agitated; tempestuousness, disturbance.
(uncountable) Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
(uncountable) Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.
An instance or type of such state or disturbance.
Source: Wiktionary
Tur"bu*lence, n. Etym: [L. turbulentia: cf. F. turbulebce.]
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition