vortex

vor·tex

noun \ˈvȯr-ˌteks\

plural vor·ti·ces\ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz\ also vor·tex·es\ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz\

Definition of VORTEX

1

: something that resembles a whirlpool <the hellish vortex of battle — Time>

2

a : a mass of fluid (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

Examples of VORTEX

1. <a boat sucked down into the vortex>

Origin of VORTEX

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

First Known Use: 1652

Related to VORTEX

Synonyms: gulf, maelstrom, whirlpool

Related Words: tourbillion (or tourbillon); eddy, swirl, whirl

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Rhymes with VORTEX

annex, apex, codex, complex, convex, cortex, culex, desex, duplex, DX, fourplex, ibex, ilex, index, Kleenex, latex, mirex, murex, MX, narthex, perplex, Perspex, phone sex, pollex, Pyrex, reflex, Rx, safe sex, scolex, silex, silvex, simplex, spandex, telex, Tex-Mex, triplex, unsex, vertex