from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Eddy \Ed"dy\ ([e^]d"d[y^]), n.; pl. {Eddies} ([e^]d"d[i^]z).
[Prob. fr. Icel. i[eth]a; cf. Icel. pref. i[eth]- back, AS.
ed-, OS. idug-, OHG. ita-; Goth. id-.]
1. A current of air or water running back, or in a direction
contrary to the main current.
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2. A current of water or air moving in a circular direction;
a whirlpool.
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And smiling eddies dimpled on the main. --Dryden.
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Wheel through the air, in circling eddies play.
--Addison.
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Note: Used also adjectively; as, eddy winds. --Dryden.
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