vortex

noun

vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks 

plural vortices ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz  also vortexes ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz 

1

: something that resembles a whirlpool

the hellish vortex of battle

—Time

2

a

: a mass of fluid (such as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action

especially : whirlpool, eddy

b

: a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity

Synonyms

• gulf
• maelstrom
• whirlpool

Examples of vortex in a Sentence

a boat sucked down into the vortex

Recent Examples on the Web

More dramatic than a weakened vortex is a collapsing vortex. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025

The sardines form a dynamic vortex around the diver, creating a stunning contrast between the fluid motion of the school and the stillness of the figure. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Due to colder temperatures and isolation from mid-latitudes by the polar vortex (a strong system of wind near the Earth’s polar regions), the atmosphere above Antarctica is particularly vulnerable to accelerated ozone depletion from chlorine accumulation. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

This event is likely to be colder than the earlier polar vortex cold snaps so far this winter, according to University of Oklahoma meteorologist Jason Furtado. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin vortic-, vortex, from Latin vertex, vortex whirlpool — more at vertex

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vortex

• cortex
• neocortex

Kids Definition

vortex

noun

vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks 

plural vortices ˈvȯrt-ə-ˌsēz  also vortexes

: a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn : whirlpool

Medical Definition

vortex

transitive verb

vor·​tex ˈvȯ(ə)r-ˌteks 

: to mix (as the contents of a test tube) by means of a rapid whirling or circular motion

vortex air into a solution

vortexing noun