from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vortex theory \Vortex theory\ (Chem. & Physics)
The theory, advanced by Thomson (Lord Kelvin) on the basis of
investigation by Helmholtz, that the atoms are vortically
moving ring-shaped masses (or masses of other forms having a
similar internal motion) of a homogeneous, incompressible,
frictionless fluid. Various properties of such atoms (
{vortex atoms}) can be mathematically deduced. This theory is
now (1998) obsolete, and has been superseded by quantum
mechanics, which provides more accurate and detailed
explanations of atomic behavior.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]