chaos

English

/ˈkeɪ.ɒs/, /ˈkeɪ.ɑs/

noun
Definitions
  • The unordered state of matter in classical accounts of cosmogony.
  • Any state of disorder; a confused or amorphous mixture or conglomeration.
  • (mathematics) A behaviour of iterative non-linear systems in which arbitrarily small variations in initial conditions become magnified over time.
  • (fantasy) One of the two metaphysical forces of the world in some fantasy settings, as opposed to law.
  • (obsolete) A vast chasm or abyss.
  • (obsolete) A given medium; a space in which something exists or lives; an environment.

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek χάος (void, vast chasm, chasm, abyss, empty space).

Origin

Ancient Greek

χάος

Gloss

void, vast chasm, chasm, abyss, empty space

Kanji

空

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms