turbid

Everyday

1. Turbid water or liquid is cloudy or muddy because it has mud, sand or other bits stirred up in it. tree →
2. (formal) Turbid can also describe confused or unclear thoughts or writing. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography it is used when testing water quality: turbid water lets less light through. Phrases: turbid water, a turbid river.

Examples

• After the storm the river was turbid and brown. tree →
• We tested whether the pond water was clear or turbid. tree →
• Fish find it hard to see in turbid water. tree →
• The turbid water slowly cleared as the mud settled. tree →
• Filtering made the turbid sample clear. tree →
• The essay was turbid and hard to follow. tree →

Note

Formal or science word; everyday words: cloudy, muddy, murky. Noun: turbidity. Do not confuse with turgid (swollen, or pompous) or torpid (sluggish).