fluctuation
Americannoun
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continual change from one point or condition to another.
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wavelike motion; undulation.
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Genetics. a body variation due to environmental factors and not inherited.
Usage
What does fluctuation mean? Fluctuation is continual change.It’s a noun form of the verb fluctuate, meaning to continually change or shift back and forth.Fluctuation is most commonly used in the context of abstract or intangible things that frequently change, such as temperature, the stock market, or someone’s mood.Example: The fluctuation of the volume on my TV is really annoying—it gets louder during commercials and then it gets quiet again when the show comes back on.
Other Word Forms
- nonfluctuation noun
Etymology
Origin of fluctuation
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin fluctuātiōn- (stem of fluctuātiō ) a fluctuation, wavering. See fluctuate, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Beijing has recently signaled more tolerance for a stronger yuan, Chinese officials have also frequently warned against bumpy currency fluctuations that could hurt exporters.
He said geothermal power was "really important" for the UK because there are no price fluctuations like with gas.
From BBC
The move, which brings Scotland into line with how other UK governments measure emissions, allows for annual fluctuations such as higher gas demand for home heating during colder winters.
From BBC
These indicators reflect how well the brain adjusts blood flow and oxygen delivery in response to natural fluctuations in blood pressure and carbon dioxide.
From Science Daily
Observed weight changes generally fall within normal day to day fluctuations.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
