1. The act of fluctuating. 2. A wavelike motion felt on palpating a cavity with nonrigid walls, especially one containing fluid. SYN: fluctuance.
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fluc·tu·a·tion .flək-chə-'wā-shən n
1) a motion like that of waves esp the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2 a) a slight and nonheritable variation esp such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b) recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
fluc·tu·ate 'flək-chə-.wāt vb, -at·ed; -at·ing
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n.
the characteristic feeling of a wave motion produced in a fluid-filled part of the body by an examiner's fingers. If fluctuation is present when a swelling is examined, this is an indication that there is fluid within it and that the swelling is not due to a solid growth.
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fluc·tu·a·tion (fluk″choo-aґshən) [L. fluctuatio] 1. a variation, as about a fixed value or mass. 2. a wavelike motion, as of a fluid in a cavity of the body after succussion.Medical dictionary. 2011.