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

This vortex is known for its upflow or masculine energy (energy coming out of the earth). —Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Many have seen a reflection of Vincent van Gogh's inner turmoil in the swirling vortices of The Starry Night. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 Sep. 2024

Bhargava and DuPont cite the story of Dyson founder James Dyson, who got the idea for a bagless vacuum cleaner after watching a huge machine — called a cyclonic separator — clean a sawmill with an air vortex. —Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024

Your hospital admission also includes entry into four tents, backyard areas and a giant vortex. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2024

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

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