n. [ Cf. F. fluxion. ] The act of flowing. Cotgrave. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The matter that flows. Wiseman. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Fusion; the running of metals into a fluid state. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Med.) An unnatural or excessive flow of blood or fluid toward any organ; a determination. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A constantly varying indication. [ 1913 Webster ] Less to be counted than the fluxions of sun dials. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Math.) (a) The infinitely small increase or decrease of a variable or flowing quantity in a certain infinitely small and constant period of time; the rate of variation of a fluent; an incerement; a differential. (b) pl. A method of analysis developed by Newton, and based on the conception of all magnitudes as generated by motion, and involving in their changes the notion of velocity or rate of change. Its results are the same as those of the differential and integral calculus, from which it differs little except in notation and logical method. [ 1913 Webster ] | 