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vortex

noun

/ˈvɔːtɛks/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of vortex

A swirling flow of fluid, air, or other material that rotates around a central point or axis.
"The tornado formed a powerful vortex as it swept across the plains."

Detailed meaning of vortex

The term can be used to describe a wide range of natural and man-made phenomena, including tornadoes, hurricanes, whirlpools, and black holes. In fluid dynamics, a vortex is a region in a fluid in which the flow revolves around an axis line, which may be straight or curved. In atmospheric science, a vortex can refer to a large-scale rotating weather system, such as a tornado or a hurricane. In physics, a black hole is often described as a vortex in spacetime, with its immense gravity pulling everything in its vicinity into its center.
A vortex can also be found in technology, such as in a turbine, where the flow of fluid or gas is used to generate power. Vortex shedding is also a phenomenon that can occur in fluid flow, where alternating vortices are shed from a solid object, such as a bridge pier, as the fluid flows past.
In general, a vortex is a flow that revolves around an axis and can be found in various forms in nature, science, and technology. It has a characteristic swirling motion, and it is often associated with a central point or axis.

Example sentences containing vortex

1. The tornado created a powerful vortex of destruction.
2. A vortex of leaves spiraled into the air on a windy day.
3. The water rushed into a swirling vortex in the drain.
4. The whirlpool's vortex pulled objects beneath the surface.
5. A vortex of emotions overwhelmed her during the breakup.
6. The tornado formed a terrifying vortex in the stormy sky.

History and etymology of vortex

The noun 'vortex' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'vertex,' which means 'a whirlpool' or 'the highest point.' In Latin, 'vertex' was used to describe the swirling motion of water in a whirlpool and, figuratively, the highest or most elevated point of something. As the term transitioned into Late Latin and eventually into English, it became 'vortex,' retaining its sense of a swirling flow of fluid, air, or other material that rotates around a central point or axis. 'Vortex' is often used in scientific and meteorological contexts to describe whirlwinds, tornadoes, and similar swirling phenomena. The etymology of 'vortex' effectively conveys its historical association with swirling and rotating motion, emphasizing its role as a noun used to describe the phenomenon of a swirling flow centered around a central point or axis.

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Further usage examples of vortex

1. In the sink, a small vortex of water spun as it drained.
2. The airplane flew through a vortex of turbulent air.
3. The dust devil created a miniature vortex in the desert.
4. The hurricane's eye is a calm center within a vortex.
5. The water's vortex created a mesmerizing display.
6. A vortex of ideas swirled in his creative mind.
7. The maelstrom's vortex sucked in everything in its path.
8. The whirlwind's vortex carried debris high into the air.
9. The black hole's gravitational pull forms an intense vortex.
10. The tornado's vortex tore through the countryside.
11. The bathtub's drain created a small water vortex.
12. A vortex of speculation surrounded the mysterious event.
13. The swirling vortex of mist obscured the mountain peak.
14. The cyclone's vortex was a powerful force of nature.
15. The whirlpool in the river created a dangerous vortex for swimmers.
16. The vortex of dust and debris made it difficult to see in the construction site.
17. The black hole's immense gravity pulled everything into its powerful vortex.
18. The vortex of air above the airplane's wing helped lift it into the sky.
19. The ship was caught in the vortex of the massive storm and capsized.
20. The vortex of water in the drain spun faster and faster.
21. The dancers moved in a mesmerizing vortex on the stage.
22. The vortex of emotions inside her mind made it hard for her to think clearly.
23. The vortex of energy that surrounded the sorcerer was palpable.
24. The swirling vortex of smoke rose from the burning building.
25. The vortex of time and space opened a portal to another dimension.