chaos

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪɒs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • complete disorder and confusion: snow caused chaos in the region
  • Physics the property of a complex system whose behaviour is so unpredictable as to appear random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes in conditions.
  • the formless matter supposed to have existed before the creation of the universe.
  • (Chaos) Greek Mythology the first created being, from which came the primeval deities Gaia, Tartarus, Erebus, and Nyx.

Origin:

late 15th century (denoting a gaping void or chasm, later formless primordial matter): via French and Latin from Greek khaos 'vast chasm, void'