vortex
[ vawr-teks ]
/ ˈvɔr tɛks /
noun, plural vor·tex·es, vor·ti·ces [vawr-tuh-seez] /ˈvɔr təˌsiz/.
a whirling mass of water, especially one in which a force of suction operates, as a whirlpool.
a whirling mass of air, especially one in the form of a visible column or spiral, as a tornado.
See also polar vortex.
a whirling mass of fire, flame, etc.
a state of affairs likened to a whirlpool for violent activity, irresistible force, etc.
something regarded as drawing into its powerful current everything that surrounds it: the vortex of war.
(in Cartesian philosophy) a rapid rotatory movement of cosmic matter about a center, regarded as accounting for the origin or phenomena of bodies or systems of bodies in space.
Origin of vortex
1645–55; < Latin, variant of
vertex
vertex
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH vortex
vertex vortexWords nearby vortex
Example sentences from the Web for vortex
British Dictionary definitions for vortex
vortex
/ (ˈvɔːtɛks) /
noun plural -texes or -tices (-tɪˌsiːz)
a whirling mass or rotary motion in a liquid, gas, flame, etc, such as the spiralling movement of water around a whirlpool
any activity, situation, or way of life regarded as irresistibly engulfing
Derived forms of vortex
vortical, adjective vortically, adverbWord Origin for vortex
C17: from Latin: a whirlpool; variant of
vertex
Medical definitions for vortex
vortex
[ vôr′tĕks′ ]
n. pl. vor•tex•es
A spiral motion of fluid within a limited area, especially a whirling mass of water or air that sucks everything near it toward its center.
Scientific definitions for vortex
vortex
[ vôr′tĕks′ ]
Plural vortexes vortices (vôr′tĭ-sēz′)
A circular, spiral, or helical motion in a fluid (such as a gas) or the fluid in such a motion. A vortex often forms around areas of low pressure and attracts the fluid (and the objects moving within it) toward its center. Tornados are examples of vortexes; vortexes that form around flying objects are a source of turbulence and drag. See also eddy.