Definition of: fluctuate

(fluk′ch·āt) v. ·at·ed, ·at·ing v.i.
1. To change or vary often and in an irregular manner; waver; be unsteady.
2. To move with successive rise and fall; undulate.
—v.t.
3. To cause to fluctuate. [<L fluctuatus, pp. of fluctuare wave <fluctus a wave <fluere flow]
—fluc′tu·a·bil′i·ty noun
—fluc′tu·a·ble adjective Synonyms: hesitate, oscillate, swerve, undulate, vacillate, vary, veer, waver. To fluctuate is to move like a wave with alternate rise and fall. A pendulum oscillates; waves fluctuate or undulate; a light or a flame wavers; a frightened steed swerves from his course; a tool or weapon swerves from the mark or line; the temperature varies; the wind veers when it suddenly changes its direction. That which veers may steadily hold the new direction; that which oscillates, fluctuates, undulates, or wavers returns upon its way. As regards mental states, he who hesitates sticks (L haerere) on the verge of decision; he who wavers does not stick to a decision; he who vacillates decides now one way, and now another; one vacillates between contrasted decisions or actions; he may waver between decision and indecision, or between action and inaction. Persons hesitate, vacillate, waver; feelings fluctuate or vary. Compare SHAKE. Antonyms: abide, adhere, persist.