2. (Cartesian System) A supposed collection of particles of
very subtile matter, endowed with a rapid rotary motion
around an axis which was also the axis of a sun or a
planet. Descartes attempted to account for the formation
of the universe, and the movements of the bodies composing
it, by a theory of vortices.
3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small
Turbellaria belonging to {Vortex} and allied genera. See
Illustration in Appendix.
{Vortex atom} (Chem.), a hypothetical ring-shaped mass of
elementary matter in continuous vortical motion. It is
conveniently regarded in certain mathematical speculations
as the typical form and structure of the chemical atom.
{Vortex wheel}, a kind of turbine.