The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Turbulence \Tur"bu*lence\, n. [L. turbulentia: cf. F.
   turbulence.]
   The quality or state of being turbulent; a disturbed state;
   tumult; disorder; agitation. --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

         The years of . . . warfare and turbulence which ensued.
                                                  --Southey.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Agitation; commotion; tumult; tumultuousness;
        termagance; unruliness; insubordination; rioting.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

turbulence
    n 1: unstable flow of a liquid or gas [syn: turbulence,
         turbulency]
    2: instability in the atmosphere
    3: a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics
       or social conditions generally); "the industrial revolution
       was a period of great turbulence" [syn: turbulence,
       upheaval, Sturm und Drang]