vortex
noun
vor·tex
ˈvȯr-ˌteks 
plural vortices
ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz
also vortexes
ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz
also vortexes
ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz
1
: something that resembles a whirlpool
the hellish vortex of battle—
Time
Time2
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
Dust devils, more officially known as convective vortices, are common features on the surface of Mars that have been regularly observed for decades.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
According to AccuWeather, a weakening polar vortex will push colder air into the region, resulting in temperatures below average in the Midwest and Northeast through early April.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
There, Carrie inherits the patent for his electromagnetic device and, to better understand it and him, connects with his collaborators, and enters the vortex of their conspiracies.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vortex
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Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
According to AccuWeather, a weakening polar vortex will push colder air into the region, resulting in temperatures below average in the Midwest and Northeast through early April.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
There, Carrie inherits the patent for his electromagnetic device and, to better understand it and him, connects with his collaborators, and enters the vortex of their conspiracies.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vortex
Cite this Entry
“Vortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vortex. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vortex
noun
vor·tex
ˈvȯr-ˌteks
plural vortices
ˈvȯrt-ə-ˌsēz
also vortexes
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
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