perturbation

per·tur·ba·tion  (pûrtr-bshn)

n.

1.

a. The act of perturbing.

b. The state of being perturbed; agitation.

2.

a. A small change in a physical system.

b. Physics & Astronomy Variation in a designated orbit, as of a planet, resulting from the influence of one or more external bodies.

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pertur·bation·al adj.

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perturbation

Noun

Literary anxiety or worry

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perturbation  (pûrtr-bshn)

1. A small change in a physical system, most often in a physical system at equilibrium that is disturbed from the outside.

2. Variation in a designated orbit, as of a planet, that results from the influence of one or more external bodies. Gravitational attraction between planets can cause perturbations and cause a planet to deviate from its expected orbit. Perturbations in Neptune's orbit led to the discovery of the object that was causing the perturbationthe planet Pluto. Perturbations in the orbits of stars have led to the discovery of planetary systems outside of our Solar system.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	perturbation - an unhappy and worried mental state; "there was too much anger and disturbance"; "she didn't realize the upset she caused me" upset, disturbance agitation - a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
	2.	perturbation - (physics) a secondary influence on a system that causes it to deviate slightly natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" influence - the effect of one thing (or person) on another; "the influence of mechanical action" variation - (astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon)
	3.	perturbation - activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption; "the term `distress' connotes some degree of perturbation and emotional upset"; "he looked around for the source of the disturbance"; "there was a disturbance of neural function" disturbance activity - any specific behavior; "they avoided all recreational activity" bother, hassle, trouble, fuss - an angry disturbance; "he didn't want to make a fuss"; "they had labor trouble"; "a spot of bother" magnetic storm - a sudden disturbance of the earth's magnetic field; caused by emission of particles from the sun
	4.	perturbation - a disposition that is confused or nervous and upset fluster discomposure - a temperament that is perturbed and lacking in composure
	5.	perturbation - the act of causing disorder disruption disturbance - the act of disturbing something or someone; setting something in motion breakdown, dislocation - the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue; "the social dislocations resulting from government policies"; "his warning came after the breakdown of talks in London" surprisal, surprise - the act of surprising someone