eddy
[ ed-ee ]
/ ˈɛd i /
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noun, plural ed·dies.
a current at variance with the main current in a stream of liquid or gas, especially one having a rotary or whirling motion.
a small whirlpool.
any similar current, as of air, dust, or fog.
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.
to move or whirl in eddies.
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Origin of eddy
1425–75; late Middle English; Old English ed- turning + ēa water; akin to Old Norse itha
OTHER WORDS FROM eddy
un·ed·died, adjectiveun·ed·dy·ing, adjectiveDefinition for eddy (2 of 2)
Eddy
[ ed-ee ]
/ ˈɛd i /
noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for eddy
British Dictionary definitions for eddy (1 of 2)
eddy
/ (ˈɛdɪ) /
noun plural -dies
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
a deviation from or disturbance in the main trend of thought, life, etc, esp one that is relatively unimportant
verb -dies, -dying or -died
to move or cause to move against the main current
Word Origin for eddy
C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse itha; related to Old English ed- again, back, Old High German it-
British Dictionary definitions for eddy (2 of 2)
Eddy
/ (ˈɛdɪ) /
noun
Mary Baker. 1821–1910, US religious leader; founder of the Christian Science movement (1866)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for eddy
eddy
[ ĕd′ē ]
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. See also vortex.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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