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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