Dictionary entry

Eddy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ed″dy (ĕd″dy̆), n.; pl.Eddies (–dĭz). [Prob. fr. Icel. iða; cf. Icel. pref. ið- 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.

2. A current of water or air moving in a circular direction; a whirlpool.

And smiling eddies dimpled on the main. Dryden.

Wheel through the air, in circling eddies play. Addison.

Used also adjectively; as, eddy winds. Dryden.