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 initial study focused on Jupiter’s cyclones, the team was also intrigued by the wispy tendrils or filaments in between the cyclone’s gassy vortices. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 June 2024

The Try Guys — the former Buzzfeed employees turned independent YouTuber foursome turned accidental gossip vortexes — are down another guy. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 May 2024

The pool will have several amenities, including a family slide, a lily pad bridge, a zero-depth entry ramp, a climbing wall and a vortex, according to a February news release from Louisville Metro. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 24 Apr. 2024

Mark Olsen/Unsplash The property is tucked into Boynton Canyon, one of Sedona's vortex sites. —Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 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