in meteorology, a whirlwind, or sudden, rapid, and violent motion of the air in gyres, or circles.

Vortex is also used for an eddy or whirlpool; or a body of water, in certain seas or rivers, which runs rapidly around, forming a sort of cavity in the middle.

Vortex in the Cartesian philosophy, is a system or collection of particles of matter moving the same way, and round the same axis.

Such vortices are the grand machines, whereby those philosophers solve most of the motions and other phenomena of the heavenly bodies. Accordingly, the doctrine of these vortices makes a great part of the Cartesian philosophy.