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

The city is widely known as one of the most spiritual destinations in the country, home to a number of vortex sites that are considered powerful sources of energy and healing. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025

All that his administration was able to accomplish was done while also dealing with significant challenges, such as a polar vortex, the Henry Pratt mass shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic and more, Irvin said during the speech. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025

This fluid still exhibited the characteristic eddies and vortices of turbulence, but it was governed by much simpler equations. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025

This is because vortices created by its flapping wings cause air turbulence as they become confined against the ground, which can in turn knock the bot off balance. —New Atlas, 17 Apr. 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