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chaos definition

chaos (kā′äs′)

noun

  1. the disorder of formless matter and infinite space, supposed to have existed before the ordered universe
  2. extreme confusion or disorder
  3. Archaic an abyss; chasm
  4. ☆ Math. a pattern or state of order existing within apparent disorder, as in the irregularities of a coastline or a snowflake

Etymology: L < Gr chaos, space, chaos (sense ) < IE base *ĝheu-, *ĝhei-, to gape: see yawn

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

chaos Synonyms

chaos

n.

turmoil, anarchy, confusion, entropy; see confusion 2, disorder 2. See syn. study at confusion.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

chaos Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • ensue: The ensuing chaos can be seen in the photo below.

Adjective modifier

  • utter: From the docks to the city center, was complete and utter chaos.

Modifies a noun

  • reign: Trains clatter overhead on the top tier, while on the lower level barely controlled chaos reigns.

Noun used with modifier

  • climate: Be part of the biggest event of the year to Stop Climate Chaos.
chaos usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

chaos quotes

Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit.

-Adams, Henry Brooks

She was one of those born to make chaos cosmic.

-Beerbohm, Sir (Henry) Max(imilian)

I feel that art has something to do with the achievement of stillness in the midst of chaos.

-Bellow, Saul

chaos quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"chaos." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/chaos>

APA Style

chaos. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/chaos

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