vortex
vortex Lexical Profile
vortex Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mass of whirling fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind, that draws things toward its center.
"The sinking ship was nearly pulled down into the massive vortex created by the swirling ocean currents."
A situation, circumstance, or emotion regarded as a chaotic, powerful force that inevitably draws people into it.
"He found himself caught in a vortex of political scandal and public outrage that ruined his career."
A region within a fluid where the flow revolves around an axis line, commonly studied in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics.
"The aerospace engineer studied the wingtip vortex to find ways to reduce drag on the aircraft."
Word Nuance & Usage
The plural can be either 'vortices' or 'vortexes', with 'vortices' typically preferred in scientific and mathematical contexts.
• Rhymes for vortex
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 17th century: from Latin 'vortex', a variant of 'vertex' (meaning 'whirlpool' or 'eddy'), derived from 'vertere' (to turn).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.