Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fluctuation \Fluc`tu*a"tion\, n. [L. fluctuatio; cf. F.
   fluctuation.]
   1. A motion like that of waves; a moving in this and that
      direction; as, the fluctuations of the sea.

   2. A wavering; unsteadiness; as, fluctuations of opinion;
      fluctuations of prices.

   3. (Med.) The motion or undulation of a fluid collected in a
      natural or artifical cavity, which is felt when it is
      subjected to pressure or percussion. --Dunglison.

Source : WordNet®

fluctuation
     n 1: a wave motion; "the fluctuations of the sea"
     2: an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change [syn:
         {variation}]
     3: the quality of being unsteady and subject to fluctuations;
        "he kept a record of price fluctuations" [syn: {wavering}]