The term 'small whirlpool' can be summarized as a small, circular body of water that rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The term is often used to describe a small vortex of water created by the flow of a river or stream. The crossword solution for this term is 'EDDY', which is a small whirlpool or current of water that flows in a circular motion. Eddies are typically formed when a larger body of water meets an obstacle, such as a rock or other object, and the water is forced to move around it.