: a mass of fluid (such as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action especially : whirlpool, eddy b : a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity

A circular, spiral, or helical motion in a fluid (such as a gas) or the fluid in such a motion. A vortex often forms around areas of low pressure and attracts the fluid (and the objects moving within it) toward its center.

vortex noun uk / ˈvɔː.teks / us / ˈvɔːr.teks / plural vortexes or vortices uk / -tɪ.siːz / us / -tə- / Add to word list [ C ] environment specialized a mass of air or water that spins around very fast and pulls objects into its empty centre

1. A whirling mass of water or air that sucks everything near it toward its center. 2. A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it, and hence being inescapable or destructive: a vortex of political infighting; a vortex of despair.