flux
Meaning: A state of continuous change, instability, or movement; in physics, the rate of flow of energy, particles, or fluid through a given surface.
Flux is overwhelmingly used in the phrase 'in a state of flux' or simply 'in flux,' meaning unsettled and subject to change. A market in flux, a society in flux, or a political landscape in flux are all standard collocations. The word implies that the situation is transitional and the outcome uncertain. In scientific usage, flux has precise technical meanings in physics, metallurgy, and medicine. The word carries a neutral tone — flux is neither inherently positive nor negative but describes the absence of stability.
Examples
- The property market remains in a state of flux following the sudden rise in interest rates. 在利率突然上升之后,房地产市场仍处于不稳定状态。El mercado inmobiliario sigue en estado de cambio tras la subida repentina de los tipos de interés.金利の急上昇を受けて、不動産市場は依然として流動的な状態にある。금리의 급격한 인상 이후, 부동산 시장은 여전히 유동적인 상태에 있다.
- British politics has been in flux since the referendum, with traditional party loyalties fragmenting across new lines. 自公投以来,英国政治一直处于动荡之中,传统的政党忠诚沿着新的分界线瓦解。La política británica ha estado en constante transformación desde el referéndum, con las lealtades partidistas tradicionales fragmentándose por nuevas líneas divisorias.国民投票以降、イギリスの政治は不安定な状態が続き、従来の政党への忠誠が新たな境界線に沿って分裂している。국민투표 이후 영국 정치는 불안정한 상태가 지속되고 있으며, 전통적인 정당 충성이 새로운 경계를 따라 분열되고 있다.
- The flux of charged particles from the sun is responsible for the spectacular aurora borealis. 来自太阳的带电粒子流是壮观的北极光的成因。El flujo de partículas cargadas procedentes del sol es responsable de las espectaculares auroras boreales.太陽からの荷電粒子の流束が壮大なオーロラの原因である。태양에서 방출되는 하전 입자의 흐름이 장엄한 오로라의 원인이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, scientific
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin fluxus (a flowing), from fluere (to flow). Entered English in the 14th century, initially in medical usage referring to abnormal bodily discharges, before developing its broader meaning of continuous change.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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