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Definition of "vortex-atom" [vortex-atom]

  • An atom supposed to be formed by the rotational or vortex motion of a portion of an incompressible fluid free from viscosity. A vortex-atom may be regarded as a vortex-ring in the ether, a body which, as was shown by Helmholtz and by Kelvin, possesses many of the properties which it is necessary to assign to an atom. See vortex. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

Use "vortex-atom" in a sentence
  • "The vortex-atom, produced by infinitesimal friction operating through wellnigh infinite time, is to be ultimately abolished by the agency which produced it."
  • "Somewhat in the same way that a loosely suspended chain becomes rigid with rapid rotation, the hardness and elasticity of the vortex-atom are explained as due to the swift rotary motion of a soft and yielding fluid."
  • "So that the vortex-atom is really indivisible, not by reason of its hardness or solidity, but by reason of the indestructibleness of its motion."