turbulence

noun

Etymology: From Middle English turbulence (“turbidity, cloudiness”), from Late Latin turbulentia (“trouble, disquiet”). By surface analysis, turbulent + -ence.

1. 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.”

2. Disturbance in a gas or fluid, characterized by evidence of internal motion or unrest.
3. Specifically, a state of agitation or disturbance in the air which is disruptive to an aircraft.
4. 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”.”