eddy
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈɛdi// UK //ˈɛdi// ed·dy
n. a circular movement of water or air that flows in a different direction from the main current. It often looks like a small whirlpool.
n. a circular movement of water, air, or smoke that flows counter to the main current. Often used metaphorically to describe a small, isolated pocket of activity within a larger trend.
The leaves spun in a small eddy on the sidewalk.
The boat struggled to move forward as it got caught in a powerful eddy near the riverbank.
The architect designed the plaza with several alcoves, creating quiet eddies where pedestrians could rest away from the main flow of the city's morning commute.
Diminutives + -y.
Usage
Commonly used with 'of' to describe the substance moving, such as an 'eddy of dust' or 'eddy of current'.