Vortex

vor′teks, n. a whirling motion of a fluid forming a cavity in the centre: a whirlpool: an eddy having a rotational motion of the smallest visible portion in the centre:— pl. Vor′tices , Vor′texes .— ns. Vor′tex-ring ( phys. ), a vortical molecular filament or column forming a ring composed of a number of small rotating circles, placed side by side—e.g. the smoke-rings emitted by a skilful cigarette-smoker; Vor′tex-thē′ory , the theory that matter is ultimately composed of vortices in a fluid—a conception due to Lord Kelvin.— adj. Vor′tical , whirling.— adv. Vor′tically .— adjs. Vor′ticose , Vortic′ūlar , Vortiginal (-ij′-), Vortiginous (-ij′-). [L. vortex , vertex — vortĕre , vertĕre , to turn.]