vortex
/'vɔ:teks/
Definition
Noun: 1. A powerful, circular current of water or air: A mass of fluid (like water or air) spinning rapidly around a central point, creating a cavity or vacuum in the center. This often results from conflicting forces, such as tides or wind patterns. 2. The shape of something rotating rapidly: A spiral or whirlpool-like form created by something spinning very fast. 3. (Figurative) A situation or activity that draws things or people into it with irresistible force: A powerful, often destructive, influence or set of circumstances from which it is difficult to escape.
Usage Examples
- Literal (Water/Air):
- The boat was pulled into the powerful vortex and began to spin uncontrollably.
- A tornado is a terrifying atmospheric vortex.
- Describing Shape:
- The dancer's skirt formed a colorful vortex as she spun.
- Figurative:
- After the scandal, the politician was caught in a vortex of negative media attention.
- The city was a vortex of activity, energy, and noise.
Advanced Usage
- "to be drawn/sucked/pulled into the vortex of (something)": To be irresistibly pulled into a chaotic, powerful, or consuming situation.
- The small company was quickly drawn into the vortex of the corporate merger.
- "the vortex of war/revolution": Describes the chaotic and all-consuming nature of major conflict or upheaval.
- The novel describes a family trying to survive in the vortex of war.
Variants and Related Words
- Vortical (adjective): Relating to or having the nature of a vortex.
- The plane experienced severe vortical turbulence.
- Vortices (noun): The standard plural form of "vortex." "Vortexes" is also acceptable.
- Scientists studied the interacting vortices in the fluid dynamics experiment.
Synonyms
- Whirlpool: Specifically for water.
- Eddy: A small, circular movement of water or air.
- Maelstrom: A powerful whirlpool; often used figuratively for a state of confusion or turmoil.
- Whirl: A rapid spin or rotation.
- Cyclone / Tornado: Specific types of atmospheric vortices.
Idioms and Phrases
- Center of the vortex: The most intense or critical point within a chaotic situation.
- As the CEO, she found herself at the center of the vortex during the crisis.
Noun
-
a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)
-
the shape of something rotating rapidly
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "vortex"
