Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun vortex

2 senses of vortex

Sense 1
whirl, swirl, vortex, convolution -- (the shape of something rotating rapidly)
       => round shape -- (a shape that is curved and without sharp angles)

Sense 2
whirlpool, vortex, maelstrom -- (a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides))
       => current, stream -- (a steady flow of a fluid (usually from natural causes); "the raft floated downstream on the current"; "he felt a stream of air"; "the hose ejected a stream of water")