volatility
UK: ˌvɒl.əˈtɪl.ə.ti | US: ˌvɑː.ləˈtɪl.ə.t̬i
n. the quality of being subject to frequent, rapid, or unpredictable change
n. (finance) the degree of variation in trading prices over time
n. (chemistry) the tendency of a substance to evaporate at normal temperatures
volatility = volat<fly> + ility<noun suffix>
- volat (from Latin volare, meaning "to fly") → Reflects rapid movement or change.
- ility (noun-forming suffix from Latin -ilitas) → Indicates a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin volatilis ("fleeting, flying"), derived from volare ("to fly"). It originally described things that could fly or evaporate quickly (e.g., birds, gases). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe unpredictability in behavior, finance, and science—capturing the "flightiness" of change.
The volatility of the stock market makes long-term predictions difficult.
Political volatility in the region has discouraged foreign investment.
Ether's high volatility allows it to evaporate at room temperature.
Her mood volatility made it hard to anticipate her reactions.
Traders often profit from currency volatility by buying low and selling high.