Fluxion

/ˈflʌkʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of flowing; in mathematics, the rate of change of a variable quantity (closely related to calculus).

Etymology

From Latin 'fluxio,' from 'fluere' (to flow). Newton used 'fluxion' as his term for what we now call derivatives in calculus, showing how mathematical language grows from everyday concepts.

Kelly Says

Isaac Newton invented calculus and called rates of change 'fluxions'—he imagined variables flowing like rivers, and the 'fluxion' measured how fast the water moved, revolutionizing mathematics forever.

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