vortex
/ˈvɔː.teks/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A vortex is a spinning mass of air, water, or other material that pulls things toward its center. It can also mean a strong, confusing situation that draws people in.
- The boat was caught in a whirlpool vortex.
- She felt trapped in a vortex of bad news.
Adinary Nuance
A vortex is stronger and more visual than a simple swirl or spin. Use whirlpool for water, whirlwind for air, and vortex when you want the idea of a powerful turning force. In writing, vortex can also be a metaphor for a situation that feels hard to escape.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- xoáy
- Spanish
- vórtice
- Chinese
- 漩涡
- Japanese
- 渦
- Korean
- 소용돌이
Etymology
Vortex comes from Latin vortex, meaning “whirling” or “a whirlpool.” It entered English in the 1600s and kept its sense of spinning motion.
Common phrases
a vortex of activitya vortex of fearinto the vortexthe eye of the vortex
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is vortex used more for water or air?
- It is used for both, but water and science writing often use it more.
- What is the difference between vortex and whirlpool?
- A whirlpool is a water vortex. Vortex is broader and can describe air, water, or a metaphorical situation.
- Can I use vortex in business writing?
- Yes, but usually in a metaphor, like "a vortex of change."
- Is vortex a common everyday word?
- It is common in science, news, and formal writing, but less common in casual speech.