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.( 1 figuratively) Anything that involves constant violent or chaotic activity around some centre.n 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. ( 1 figuratively) Anything that involves constant violent or chaotic activity around some centre.