fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 
-chü-ˈā-
plural fluctuations
: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.
Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.
North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.—
Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan Franzen
Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
The filing notes that the company is focused on raising additional funds and acknowledges the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on its operations.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
The volatile stock went through heavy fluctuations throughout election day, with trading being paused on several occasions due to rapid changes.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
With big data upon us, investors now seek unconventional ways to predict stock market fluctuations.
—Bob Garcia, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Not to mention, the market will also be eyeing at the makeup of Congress, and that could result in some fluctuations.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuation 
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Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
The volatile stock went through heavy fluctuations throughout election day, with trading being paused on several occasions due to rapid changes.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
With big data upon us, investors now seek unconventional ways to predict stock market fluctuations.
—Bob Garcia, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Not to mention, the market will also be eyeing at the makeup of Congress, and that could result in some fluctuations.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuation
Dictionary Entries Near fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən
1
: a motion like that of waves
especially
: the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2
a
: a slight and nonheritable variation
especially
: such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b
: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
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