turbidity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “turbidity” mean?
The quality or state of being cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter, making it difficult to see through.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter, making it difficult to see through.
In extended use, it can refer to confusion, obscurity, or lack of clarity in non-physical contexts such as thought, communication, or a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage frequency. Slightly more prevalent in British environmental science writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. Can carry a negative connotation when describing water quality or unclear thinking.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; high frequency in environmental science, hydrology, chemistry, and wastewater management.
Grammar
How to Use “turbidity” in a Sentence
The turbidity of [liquid] is [adjective].[Event/Agent] causes/increases/reduces turbidity in [liquid].Turbidity is measured in [units].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “turbidity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'turbidity' is a noun. The related verb is 'turbidify', which is exceptionally rare.
American English
- N/A - 'turbidity' is a noun. The related verb is 'turbidify', which is exceptionally rare.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No direct adverb. Use 'in a turbid manner' (very unnatural).
American English
- N/A - No direct adverb. Use 'in a turbid manner' (very unnatural).
adjective
British English
- The turbid estuary water was unsuitable for the sensitive shellfish.
American English
- After the storm, the lake was too turbid for swimming.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The turbidity of the market data made forecasting difficult.'
Academic
Common in environmental science, earth sciences, chemistry, fluid dynamics. 'The study correlated algal blooms with increased turbidity.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used when describing dirty pond water or a shaken snow globe.
Technical
Core usage. Precise measurement and control of turbidity is critical in water treatment, aquaculture, and beverage production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “turbidity”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “turbidity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “turbidity”
- Using 'turbidity' to mean 'disturbance' or 'agitation' (confusion with 'turbulence' or 'turbulent').
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtɜːrbɪdɪti/ (stress on first syllable). Correct stress is on the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Turbidity specifically refers to suspended particles that scatter light, making a fluid cloudy. A fluid can be turbid from clean clay particles, not necessarily 'dirty' with harmful contaminants.
Typically no. For air with suspended particles, terms like 'haze', 'smog', or 'aerosol density' are used. Turbidity is strongly associated with liquids.
There isn't a single common verb. Phrases like 'make turbid', 'increase turbidity', or 'cause turbidity' are used. The process is often 'suspension' of particles.
It is listed in some dictionaries but is extremely rare and stylistically marked. 'Turbidity' is the standard and preferred nominal form.
The quality or state of being cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter, making it difficult to see through.
Turbidity is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Turbidity: in British English it is pronounced /tɜːˈbɪdɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɚˈbɪdɪti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The turbidity of the waters (metaphorical for a confusing situation)”
- “Cut through the turbidity (to clarify a complex issue).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TURBID river. The ID (identification) of its problem is its TURBIDITY (muddiness).
Conceptual Metaphor
UNCERTAINTY/OBSCURITY IS TURBIDITY (e.g., 'turbid thoughts', 'a turbid political landscape').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'turbidity' most precisely and frequently used?