Darcy

/ˈdɑrsi/ noun

Definition

A unit of measurement for the permeability of rock or soil to fluid flow, named after a French scientist.

Etymology

Named after Henry Darcy, a 19th-century French hydraulic engineer who conducted experiments on water flow through sand. The unit was named in his honor.

Kelly Says

Darcy's law, which this unit is based on, was discovered through practical engineering—he was trying to improve Paris's water supply system and accidentally discovered one of the most important principles in geology and petroleum engineering.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.