vortex

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvɔːtɛks/

noun (plural vortexes or vortices /-tɪsiːz/)

  • a whirling mass of fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind: we were caught in a vortex of water figurative a swirling vortex of emotions

Derivatives

vortical

adjective

vortically

adverb

vorticity

Pronunciation: /vɔːˈtɪsɪti/
noun

vorticose

adjective

vorticular

Pronunciation: /vɔːˈtɪkjʊlə/
adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin vortex, vortic-, literally 'eddy', variant of vertex

Spelling help

The plural of vortex can be spelled either vortexes or vortices (as in the original Latin).