vortex

noun

1. A whirlwind, whirlpool, or similarly moving matter in the form of a spiral or column.

   “An extreme version of vorticity is a vortex. The vortex is a spinning, cyclonic mass of fluid, which can be observed in the rotation of water going down a drain, as well as in smoke rings, tornados and hurricanes.”

2. (figuratively)Anything that involves constant violent or chaotic activity around some centre.

   “It’s hard to imagine that there is any major American clothing brand that does not have a store in the consumer vortex that is East Hampton; […]”

   “Montreal in the summer is a vortex of decadent food, 24-ounce cocktails and carefree people. We reveled in it, danced, swam in fountains.”

3. (figuratively)Anything that inevitably draws surrounding things into its current.

   “In early youth, the living drama acted around me, drew my heart and soul into its vortex.”

4. (historical)A supposed collection of particles of very subtle matter, endowed with a rapid rotary motion around an axis which was also the axis of a sun or planet; part of a Cartesian theory accounting for the formation of the universe, and the movements of the bodies composing it.
5. Any of numerous species of small Turbellaria belonging to Vortex and allied genera.

verb

1. To mix using a vortex mixer.