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
The city is widely known as one of the most spiritual destinations in the country, home to a number of vortex sites that are considered powerful sources of energy and healing.
—Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
All that his administration was able to accomplish was done while also dealing with significant challenges, such as a polar vortex, the Henry Pratt mass shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic and more, Irvin said during the speech.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
This fluid still exhibited the characteristic eddies and vortices of turbulence, but it was governed by much simpler equations.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
This is because vortices created by its flapping wings cause air turbulence as they become confined against the ground, which can in turn knock the bot off balance.
—New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vortex
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Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
All that his administration was able to accomplish was done while also dealing with significant challenges, such as a polar vortex, the Henry Pratt mass shooting, the COVID-19 pandemic and more, Irvin said during the speech.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
This fluid still exhibited the characteristic eddies and vortices of turbulence, but it was governed by much simpler equations.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
This is because vortices created by its flapping wings cause air turbulence as they become confined against the ground, which can in turn knock the bot off balance.
—New Atlas, 17 Apr. 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 6 Jun. 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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