fluctuation

Noun

Synonyms: variation wavering

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

a wave motion“the fluctuations of the sea”
an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of changeSynonyms: variation
the quality of being unsteady and subject to changes“he kept a record of price fluctuations”Synonyms: wavering

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Fluctuation \Fluc`tu*a"tion\, 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. [1913 Webster]

2.A wavering; unsteadiness; as, fluctuations of opinion; fluctuations of prices. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]