fluxion

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
fluxion
    n 1: a flow or discharge [syn: {flux}, {fluxion}]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fluxion \Flux"ion\, n. [Cf. F. fluxion.]
   The act of flowing. --Cotgrave.
   [1913 Webster]

   2. The matter that flows. --Wiseman.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Fusion; the running of metals into a fluid state.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (Med.) An unnatural or excessive flow of blood or fluid
      toward any organ; a determination.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. A constantly varying indication.
      [1913 Webster]

            Less to be counted than the fluxions of sun dials.
                                                  --De Quincey.
      [1913 Webster]

   6. (Math.)
      (a) The infinitely small increase or decrease of a
          variable or flowing quantity in a certain infinitely
          small and constant period of time; the rate of
          variation of a fluent; an incerement; a differential.
      (b) pl. A method of analysis developed by Newton, and
          based on the conception of all magnitudes as generated
          by motion, and involving in their changes the notion
          of velocity or rate of change. Its results are the
          same as those of the differential and integral
          calculus, from which it differs little except in
          notation and logical method.
          [1913 Webster]
    

[email protected]