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

Winter Snowstorms The winter storms sweeping across the U.S. South and Midwest are associated with a different weather phenomenon, often tied to cold air masses (polar vortex) interacting with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. —Jim Foerster, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The polar vortex triggered deep freeze warnings and advisories across Texas as officials warn the weather could lead to dangerous conditions for residents and infrastructure. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Technically, the polar vortex is 20 miles high in the stratosphere. —Seth Borenstein, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025

Context: The post-storm Arctic outbreak is tied in part to a north-south stretching of the polar vortex, which is an area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere and the air circulation around it. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 7 Jan. 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

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