vortex
vor.tex \'vo.r-.teks\ \'vo.rt-*-.se-z\ n or vor.ti.ces also vor.tex.es [NL vortic-, vortex, fr. L vertex whirlpool - more at VE] pl RTEX : a mass of fluid esp. of a liquid having a whirling or circular motion te nding to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; specif : WHIRLPOOL, EDDY