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Eddy: meaning, definitions and examples

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eddy

 

[ˈɛdi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

water flow

A circular movement of water, counter to a main current, causing a small whirlpool.

Synonyms

swirl, vortex, whirlpool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eddy

Often used to describe small circular movements of water or air, especially in rivers or streams.

  • The leaf was trapped in a tiny eddy by the riverbank.
  • Small eddies formed around the rocks in the stream.
whirlpool

Describes a large and powerful circular current of water, often dangerous, typically found in seas or large rivers.

  • The boat was caught in a powerful whirlpool and started to spin uncontrollably.
  • A whirlpool formed where the two currents met.
vortex

Refers to a powerful circular current in water or air, often with a connotation of pulling things towards its center; can be literal or metaphorical.

  • The plane flew into a vortex of turbulent air.
  • He felt like he was being sucked into a vortex of emotions.
swirl

Used when describing a spiral or twirling movement, not exclusive to water, can refer to air, mist, smoke, or even thoughts.

  • The wind caused the leaves to swirl around the yard.
  • Her thoughts swirled in confusion as she tried to understand the news.

Examples of usage

  • The boat was caught in an eddy and spun around.
  • The river had many eddies where the water swirled around.
Context #2 | Noun

wind flow

A circular current of air, especially a whirlwind.

Synonyms

vortex, whirl, whirlwind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eddy

Another form of the same word when emphasizing the circular motion specifically; used in scientific or detailed descriptions.

  • The scientist explained how the eddy formed behind the rock in the river; The wind created an eddy of dust in the alley
whirlwind

A small, quickly moving column of air that whirls around rapidly, often picking up debris. Metaphorically, it can describe a situation of sudden, chaotic, and intense activity or emotions.

  • The whirlwind picked up dust and leaves as it moved across the field; They had a whirlwind romance that ended as quickly as it started
vortex

A powerful, often violent whirlpool in water or a spiral motion in air or other fluid. It implies intense, turbulent activity and is often used metaphorically.

  • The boat was caught in a massive vortex; She felt like she was being sucked into a vortex of emotions
whirl

A rapid rotating or spinning movement. This word is usually used to describe less structured, more random motions compared to 'vortex'.

  • The children began to whirl around in the playground; His thoughts were in a constant whirl as he tried to make a decision

Examples of usage

  • The dust devil formed an eddy in the desert.
  • The strong wind created eddies in the air.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English, derived from the Old Norse 'iðja', which means to 'bring forth' or 'to swirl'.
  • Its current form emerged in the late 15th century, showing how language can evolve over time.

Natural Science

  • Eddies are a common phenomenon in rivers where obstacles like rocks or bends cause water to swirl.
  • These circular water motions can affect local ecosystems by stirring up nutrients and providing habitats for aquatic life.

Physics

  • Eddies are significant in fluid dynamics, illustrating the complex behavior of moving fluids.
  • They can vary in size and strength, ranging from tiny whirlpools in a stream to large oceanic eddies.

Literature

  • In poetry, authors often use eddies as a metaphor for life's unpredictable nature and the twisting journey of personal experiences.
  • Famous works might describe the calmness of a lake disrupted by sudden eddies, symbolizing the chaos in human emotions.

Art

  • Artists often depict eddies in landscape paintings to convey movement and energy within serene settings.
  • The swirling patterns of water can inspire abstract art, representing chaos and harmony existing together.

Translations

Translations of the word "eddy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 redemoinho

🇮🇳 भंवर

🇩🇪 Wirbel

🇮🇩 arus berputar

🇺🇦 вихор

🇵🇱 wir

🇯🇵 渦

🇫🇷 tourbillon

🇪🇸 remolino

🇹🇷 girdap

🇰🇷 소용돌이

🇸🇦 دوامة

🇨🇿 vír

🇸🇰 vír

🇨🇳 漩涡

🇸🇮 vrtinec

🇮🇸 hvörf

🇰🇿 айналым

🇬🇪 ხვრელი

🇦🇿 girdap

🇲🇽 remolino

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,181, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.