vortex

noun

vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks How to pronounce vortex (audio)
plural vortices ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz How to pronounce vortex (audio) also vortexes ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz How to pronounce vortex (audio)
1
: something that resembles a whirlpool
the hellish vortex of battleTime
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

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 See all Example Sentences for vortex 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vortex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vortex was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near vortex

Cite this Entry

“Vortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vortex. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vortex

noun
vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks How to pronounce vortex (audio)
plural vortices ˈvȯrt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce vortex (audio) 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 How to pronounce vortex (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on vortex

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