First Known Use: 1652
Dictionary
vortex
noun vor·tex \ˈvȯr-ˌteks\
: a mass of spinning air, liquid, etc., that pulls things into its center
plural vor·ti·ces \ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz\ also vor·tex·es \ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz\
Full Definition of VORTEX
1
: something that resembles a whirlpool <the hellish vortex of battle — Time>
2
a : a mass of fluid (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
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Origin of VORTEX
New Latin vortic-, vortex, from Latin vertex, vortex whirlpool — more at vertex
Rhymes with VORTEX
Medical Dictionary
vortex
transitive verb vor·tex \ˈvȯ(ə)r-ˌteks\
Medical Definition of VORTEX
: to mix (as the contents of a test tube) by means of a rapid whirling or circular motion <vortex air into a solution>
—vor·tex·ing noun
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