Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; very disturbed and unstable. Can describe both physical phenomena like rough water or air currents, and abstract situations like chaotic periods in history.
From Latin 'turbulentus,' derived from 'turba' meaning 'crowd' or 'tumult.' The root suggests the chaotic movement of a disturbed crowd, which extended to describe any violently agitated condition by the 15th century.
Turbulent beautifully bridges the physical and emotional worlds - the same word describes both a bumpy airplane ride and a rocky relationship. This linguistic overlap isn't accidental; humans have always understood that chaos follows similar patterns whether in water, air, or human affairs.
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