vortex

The definition of a vortex is a whirl of water or air, or the center of something that draws the outside in.

(noun)

An example of a vortex is a whirlpool.

See vortex in Webster's New World College Dictionary

a whirling mass of water forming a vacuum at its center, into which anything caught in the motion is drawn; whirlpool
a whirl or powerful eddy of air; whirlwind
any activity, situation, or state of affairs that resembles a whirl or eddy in its rush, absorbing effect, catastrophic power, etc.

Origin: L vortex, var. of vertex: see vertex

See vortex in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. vor·tex·es or vor·ti·ces (-tĭ-sēzˌ)

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.
A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it: “As happened with so many theater actors, he was swept up in the vortex of Hollywood” (New York Times).

Origin:

Origin: Latin vortex, vortic-

Origin: , variant of vertex

Origin: , from vertere, to turn; see wer-² in Indo-European roots

Learn more about vortex

vortex synonyms

vortex medical definition

vortex science

vortex in a sentence

vortex quotes

link/cite print suggestion box