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perturbance

perturbance

8.5
A change that makes a system or process work differently than usual
  • noun
  • /pərˈtərbəns/
  • Specialized
translation icon : perturbación
  • Engineers noted the perturbance in the system caused unexpected delays in the project.

Examples

  • But you're much more likely and, and some of it is the, the perturbance itself may be a little bit more virulent.

  • The scientists observed a significant perturbance in the ecosystem after the oil spill.

  • During the experiment, a perturbance in the temperature affected the reaction outcome.

Synonyms

disruption
vsperturbance
126 4.1

A break in the normal flow of activity

is broader, covering many kinds of problems not only complete stoppages
disturbance
vsperturbance
  • Specialized
80 4.1

An interruption to a normal system, like loud noise or signal trouble

is focused on an interruption or break in a process rather than interference
upheaval
vsperturbance
51 6.9

A sudden big change that causes confusion and problems

is usually less severe and not necessarily a major chaotic change
perturbation
vsperturbance
  • Specialized
4 8.8

A small change that makes a system behave differently

is a general interruption or problem without stressing behavior change
tumultuous disturbance
vsperturbance
8.5

A sudden violent crowd event that causes confusion and danger

is generally less violent and more orderly or mild

Antonyms

363 3.1

Being steady and not likely to change

3 3.6

A way of keeping things neat and in the right place

How Disruptive

upheaval
51 6.9
disruption
126 4.1
perturbance
  • Specialized
8.5
disturbance
  • Specialized
80 4.1
to glitch
  • Specialized
3 5.8

Surface Forms

perturbance singular
perturbances plural

Morphology

perturbance = perturb (transparent) = perturb + ance

Formed by the verb 'perturb' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ance'; the sense 'a disturbance' is directly derived from the verb.

Etymology

Perturbance comes from Latin parts per- 'completely' and turbare 'to disturb', the same root as in turbulent. So a perturbance is a disturbance that upsets a system or process.