Definitions for: Vortex


[n] a powerful circular current of water (usually the resulting of conflicting tides)
[n] the shape of something rotating rapidly



Webster (1913) Definition: Vor"tex, n.; pl. E. Vortexes, L. Vortices. [L.
vortex, vertex, -icis, fr. vortere, vertere, to turn. See
Vertex.]
1. A mass of fluid, especially of a liquid, having a whirling
or circular motion tending to form a cavity or vacuum in
the center of the circle, and to draw in towards the
center bodies subject to its action; the form assumed by a
fluid in such motion; a whirlpool; an eddy.

2. (Cartesian System) A supposed collection of particles of
very subtile matter, endowed with a rapid rotary motion
around an axis which was also the axis of a sun or a
planet. Descartes attempted to account for the formation
of the universe, and the movements of the bodies composing
it, by a theory of vortices.

3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small
Turbellaria belonging to Vortex and allied genera. See
Illustration in Appendix.

Vortex atom (Chem.), a hypothetical ring-shaped mass of
elementary matter in continuous vortical motion. It is
conveniently regarded in certain mathematical speculations
as the typical form and structure of the chemical atom.

Vortex wheel, a kind of turbine.

Synonyms: convolution, maelstrom, swirl, whirl, whirlpool

See Also: Charybdis, current, round shape, stream

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