perturbation
noun
per·tur·ba·tion
ˌpər-tər-ˈbā-shən 
ˌpər-ˌtər-
1
: the action of perturbing : the state of being perturbed
2
: a disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium
especially
: a disturbance of the regular and usually elliptical course of motion of a celestial body that is produced by some force additional to that which causes its regular motion
Synonyms
Examples of perturbation in a Sentence
a perturbation in the planet's orbit
in her perturbation she kept calling her son, a freshman, to see if everything was all right at college
Recent Examples on the Web
This new tool, known as minimal, versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT), combines the powers of gene editing, activation, and repression into a single, compact system.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
That perturbation becomes much more complicated when many large particles are released at once, each with its own wake that affects its neighbors.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
In another breakthrough, researchers built an ultra-sensitive microphone informed by spider silk, which vibrates with the subtle perturbations of sound waves moving through the air.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
The rise of quantum sensors, which can detect delicate perturbations in the environment at the atomic level, promises even greater sensitivity and accuracy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perturbation 
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William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
That perturbation becomes much more complicated when many large particles are released at once, each with its own wake that affects its neighbors.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Jan. 2025
In another breakthrough, researchers built an ultra-sensitive microphone informed by spider silk, which vibrates with the subtle perturbations of sound waves moving through the air.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
The rise of quantum sensors, which can detect delicate perturbations in the environment at the atomic level, promises even greater sensitivity and accuracy.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perturbation
Dictionary Entries Near perturbation
Cite this Entry
“Perturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perturbation. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perturbation
noun
per·tur·ba·tion
ˌpərt-ər-ˈbā-shən
ˌpər-ˌtər-
1
: the action of perturbing
2
: the state of being perturbed
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