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
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
Their name is an acronym, short for stratospheric perturbations resulting from intense thunderstorm electrification.
—
Brett Tingley, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
In addition, the Earth's equatorial bulge causes frequent gravitational perturbations that shift the orbit, there's more atmospheric drag when going over the poles, and reentry is a much more complex operation.
—New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025
Olivero says climate change perturbations continue to concern the winery.
—Michelle Williams, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
However, as the comet recedes from the sun, planetary perturbations will make the orbit even more elongated, so the next return to perihelion (of whatever of it is that is still left of it) will be about 600,000 years hence.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perturbation
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Brett Tingley, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
In addition, the Earth's equatorial bulge causes frequent gravitational perturbations that shift the orbit, there's more atmospheric drag when going over the poles, and reentry is a much more complex operation.
—New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025
Olivero says climate change perturbations continue to concern the winery.
—Michelle Williams, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
However, as the comet recedes from the sun, planetary perturbations will make the orbit even more elongated, so the next return to perihelion (of whatever of it is that is still left of it) will be about 600,000 years hence.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perturbation
Cite this Entry
“Perturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perturbation. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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