vortex a whirling mass of water forming a vacuum at its center into which anything caught in the motion is drawn; whirlpool.
Wassermann Test a test to diagnose syphilis by determining the presence of syphilitic antibodies in the blood serum; devised by August von Wasserman (1866-1925), German bacteriologist.
white count the number of white blood cells, which are important in the body's defenses against infection.
xenophobic fear of strangers or foreigners.
yen the basic monetary unit of Japan.
