eddy

¹

[ ed-ee ]

noun

, plural ed·dies.

1. a current at variance with the main current in a stream of liquid or gas, especially one having a rotary or whirling motion.
2. a small whirlpool.
3. any similar current, as of air, dust, or fog.
4. a current or trend, as of opinion or events, running counter to the main current.

verb (used with or without object)

, ed·died, ed·dy·ing.

1. to move or whirl in eddies.

Eddy

²

[ ed-ee ]

noun

1. Mary (Morse) Baker Mrs. GloverMrs. Patterson, 1821–1910, U.S. founder of the Christian Science Church.
2. Also Eddie. a male given name, form of Edgar or Edward.

Eddy

¹

/ ˈɛdɪ /

noun

1. EddyMary Baker18211910FUSRELIGION: religious leaderRELIGION: Christian Scientist Mary Baker. 1821–1910, US religious leader; founder of the Christian Science movement (1866)

eddy

²

/ ˈɛdɪ /

noun

1. a movement in a stream of air, water, or other fluid in which the current doubles back on itself causing a miniature whirlwind or whirlpool
2. a deviation from or disturbance in the main trend of thought, life, etc, esp one that is relatively unimportant

verb

1. to move or cause to move against the main current

eddy

/ ĕd′ē /

1. A current, as of water or air, moving in a direction that is different from that of the main current. Eddies generally involve circular motion; unstable patterns of eddies are often called turbulence .
2. See also vortex

Other Words From

• un·eddied adjective
• un·eddy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eddy¹

1425–75; late Middle English; Old English ed- turning + ēa water; akin to Old Norse itha

Word History and Origins

Origin of eddy¹

C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse itha; related to Old English ed- again, back, Old High German it-

Example Sentences

Understanding how fish swim in eddies could also aid in habitat restoration, the team says, helping conservationists engineer more efficient fish passages through dams.

From Science Magazine

All around him the wind swirled and eddied, spinning snow into whirlwinds of wintery blankness.

From Literature

They found that as the Weddell Sea current flowed around Maud Rise, the turbulent eddies moved salt onto the top of the sea mount.

From Science Daily

In the case of the Agulhas Current, researchers in 2016 reported that since the 1990s its flow had grown broader and was more likely to create potent eddies.

From Science Magazine

If you shake a bottle of water, you'll see eddies forming.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• whirlpool