vortex theory

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An obsolete scientific theory, chiefly developed by René Descartes, which attempted to explain celestial mechanics and the phenomena now described as gravitation by positing a system of fluid vortices governed by centrifugal forces and extending outwards from the sun.
  2. The vortex theory of the atom: a theory by Lord Kelvin, to explain why there are relatively few types of atom, but a huge number of each type.
  3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see vortex, theory.

Word forms

vortex theory
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