Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Turbulent \Tur"bu*lent\, a. [L. turbulentus, fr. turba disorder,
   tumult: cf. F. turbulent. See {Turbid}.]
   1. Disturbed; agitated; tumultuous; roused to violent
      commotion; as, the turbulent ocean.

            Calm region once, And full of peace, now tossed and
            turbulent.                            --Milton.

   2. Disposed to insubordination and disorder; restless;
      unquiet; refractory; as, turbulent spirits.

            Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit. --Dryden.

   3. Producing commotion; disturbing; exciting.

            Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes.
                                                  --Milton.

   Syn: Disturbed; agitated; tumultuous; riotous; seditious;
        insubordinate; refractory; unquiet.

Source : WordNet®

turbulent
     adj 1: characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination;
            "effects of the struggle will be violent and
            disruptive"; "riotous times"; "these troubled areas";
            "the tumultuous years of his administration"; "a
            turbulent and unruly childhood" [syn: {disruptive}, {riotous},
             {troubled}, {tumultuous}]
     2: (of a liquid) agitated vigorously; in a state of turbulence;
        "the river's roiling current"; "turbulent rapids" [syn: {churning},
         {roiling}, {roiled}, {roily}]