fluctuation

n.

[L. fluctuatio; cf. F. fluctuation.]

1. A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that direction; as, the fluctuations of the sea.

2. A wavering; unsteadiness; as, fluctuations of opinion; fluctuations of prices.

3. (Med.) The motion or undulation of a fluid collected in a natural or artifical cavity, which is felt when it is subjected to pressure or percussion. Dunglison.

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1. change in prices or interest rates, either up or down. Fluctuation may refer to either slight or dramatic changes in the prices of stocks, bonds, or commodities. See also Fluctuation Limit.

2. the ups and downs in the economy.

IN BRIEF: Frequent irregular change back and forth from one state or degree to another.

People living near the ocean are used to the fluctuation of the tides.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has 3 meanings:

Meaning #1: a wave motion

Meaning #2: an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
  Synonym: variation

Meaning #3: the quality of being unsteady and subject to fluctuations
  Synonym: wavering

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