Vortic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or having the form of a vortex, a whirling mass of fluid or air that spins around a central point
2. Describing something that swirls or spirals in a circular motion around a central axis, like water draining down a plughole
3. Characterizing motion or structure that forms a rotating spiral, as in a whirlpool, whirlwind or similar eddying flow

Etymology: Descartes's theory that the planets were carried around the sun by swirling fluid gave scientists a reason to use "vortex" in its technical sense. "Vortic" is the adjective built from that noun, adding the suffix "-ic" to mean "of or relating to a vortex." The noun traces back to Latin "vortex," meaning a whirlpool or eddy, which comes from "vertere," "to turn." The same root gives English "vertigo," the sensation of the world spinning, and "version," a turned or altered form of something. So the core idea behind all of these words is turning, and the spinning motion of water or air is its most literal expression.