vortex
noun /ˈvɔːteks/
/ˈvɔːrteks/
(plural vortexes, vortices
/ˈvɔːtɪsiːz/
/ˈvɔːrtɪsiːz/
)- (specialist) a mass of air, water, etc. that turns round and round very fast and pulls things into its centre synonym whirlpool, whirlwind
- (literary) a very powerful feeling or situation that you cannot avoid or escape from
- They were caught up in a whirling vortex of emotion.
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from Latin vortex, vortic-, literally ‘eddy’, variant of vertex.