Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLUC'TU-ATE, v.i. [L. fluctuo, from fluctus, a wave, from fluo, to flow.]

1. To move as a wave; to roll hither and thither; to wave; as, a fluctuating field of air. Blackmore.
2. To float backward and forward, as on waves.
3. To move now in one direction and now in another; to be wavering or unsteady. Public opinion often fluctuates. Men often fluctuate between different parties and opinions. Hence,
4. To be irresolute or undetermined.
5. To rise and fall; to be in an unsettled state; to experience sudden vicissitudes. The funds or the prices of stocks fluctuate with the events of the day.